My boyfriend had a dentist appointment [completely paid for by his employer by the way]. He answered the questionnaire honestly including the fact that he is on Methadone for past drug use. The dentist said he couldn't give my boyfriend anything for the pain because he's a drug addict [in those words], and my boyfriend explained that Methadone doesn't do anything for the pain and that he's been taking ibuprofen and that's not working. The dentist got upset and said "I'm not doing this" and walked out. The assistant came in and told my boyfriend "get up you need to leave". My boyfriend wasn't being irate, and he was being calm. It just seems like... I don't know the dentist did something wrong.

I see no problem - all Physicians (unless they are Government subsidized) have the ability to pick their patients.

I see nothing legally incorrect about what happened here. It may be upsetting, particularly if your boyfriend is attempting to straighten out his life, but I don't see any legal action stemming from this.

If this is your boyfriend's first time for seeing this dentist then yes, I believe he can refuse to see him.

If the dentist has been providing care to your boyfriend and refuses to see him, I think he has to give your boyfriend a letter stating that he is being dismissed from the practice.

I've never worked anywhere where a new client has been refused care. I think the dentist should have contacted your bf's primary health care giver and/or rehab provider to find out what pain killer is permissible to prescribe for a recovering addict.

I know we are not allowed to prescribe any mouthrinses (ie Listerine) to known alcoholics or recovering alcoholics. I'm guessing the same goes for drug abusers.

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Originally Posted by flossie

If this is your boyfriend's first time for seeing this dentist then yes, I believe he can refuse to see him.

If the dentist has been providing care to your boyfriend and refuses to see him, I think he has to give your bf a letter stating that he is being dismissed from the practice.

I've never worked anywhere where a new client has been refused care. I think the dentist should have contacted your bf's primary health care giver and/or rehab provider to find out what pain killer is permissible to prescribe for a recovering addict.

I know we are not allowed to prescribe any mouthrinses (ie Listerine) to known alcoholics or recovering alcoholics. I'm guessing the same goes for drug abusers.

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Same in US - can refuse to treat initially; if resigns from "case" has to send notification and "attempt" to provide another Physician/Dentist.

(Always good to see an expert come around and give us the scoop.)

Why did your boyfriend ask for pain killers? Ibuprofen is good for most mild things... if it wasn't after a surgery, infection, or tough root canal there is no need for anything stronger than that