To prescribe chlorhexidine or fluoride rinse, what must a dentist hold?

To prescribe chlorhexidine or fluoride rinse, a dentist must hold a dispensing permit. This permit is specifically required to dispense medications, including antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine and topical fluorides, in a clinical setting. Such regulations ensure that only licensed professionals who have undergone the necessary training are authorized to prescribe and dispense these products, thereby maintaining patient safety and adherence to legal standards.

While a DEA registration is needed for prescriptive authority over controlled substances, chlorhexidine and fluoride do not fall under this category. A medical license pertains to physicians and does not grant dental professionals authority regarding dental medications. A patient referral is typically related to the transfer of care between healthcare providers and is not relevant to the ability to prescribe medications. Thus, holding a dispensing permit is essential for dentists to legally provide these rinses to their patients.