After prescribing a pain reliever post-extraction, what must a dentist do before prescribing again if the patient returns with a complaint?

The correct course of action is to check the patient’s CURES report before prescribing pain relievers again. The CURES program, which stands for Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System, is California's prescription drug monitoring program designed to track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. By reviewing the CURES report, the dentist can verify the patient's prescription history, identify any patterns of excessive use, and assess whether the patient has been receiving pain medications from other providers. This is crucial for ensuring patient safety and preventing the misuse or over-prescription of controlled substances. It also helps in adhering to legal and ethical regulations regarding pain management.

In instances where patients return with complaints of inadequate pain control, being familiar with their past prescriptions allows the dentist to make informed decisions regarding further treatment or alternative pain management strategies, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care provided to the patient.