Go to content
  2. Advice
  3. Patient care and safety
  4. Clinical compliance
  5. Midazolam and controlled drugs

Midazolam and controlled drugs

This advice provides a guide to the requirements of ordering, storing, providing and dispensing controlled drugs within dental practices.

Overview

Controlled drugs (CDs) are substances regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 due to their potential for misuse and harm. In dental practices, CDs may be prescribed or administered strictly for dental treatment purposes. A common example is midazolam, often held in emergency kits for seizure management or used in sedation procedures. Dentists must follow strict legal and professional standards when handling, prescribing, storing, and disposing of CDs.

Not already a member? For full access to BDA's advice articles, services, templates and more please choose the membership plan that works best for you. Please note that access to all templates and advice content may require Extra or Expert membership level.

Related advice

Medicines management in dental practices

This advice outlines the requirements of dental practices in the management of medicines.

Medicines prescribing

This advice provides a general introduction to prescribing and dispensing medicines to dental patients.

Here when you need us

Choose BDA Indemnity

BDA Indemnity offers unparalleled protection and flexibility to our members. Our indemnity policy is occurrence-based, so when an incident occurs under the policy, you are covered forever. Plus, it's contractual - not discretionary like mutual defence organisations.
Learn more
Dr Dev Patel looks at the camera through a light blue shield signifying protection