(1) Patients twenty-four years of age or under. In the treatment of pain for patients twenty-four years of age or under, the dentist shall treat pain in a manner equal with that of an adult but must account for the weight of the patient and adjust the dosage prescribed accordingly. Eight to twelve tablets supply will often be sufficient. The dentist shall not prescribe beyond twelve tablets without clinical documentation in the patient record to justify the need for such a quantity.

(2) Pregnant patients. A dentist shall not discontinue use of MAT opioids, such as methadone or buprenorphine, by a pregnant patient without oversight by the MAT prescribing practitioner. The dentist shall weigh carefully the risks and benefits of opioid detoxification during pregnancy.

(3) Aging populations. As people age, their tolerance and metabolizing of opioids may change. The dentist shall consider the distinctive needs of patients who are sixty-five years of age or older and who have been on chronic opioid therapy or who are initiating opioid treatment.