Is it true that dentists may only prescribe drugs that are necessary and within the scope of the practice of dentistry?

The assertion that dentists may only prescribe drugs that are necessary and within the scope of the practice of dentistry is true. Dentists are governed by specific regulations that outline their authority to prescribe medications, which includes both the types of drugs they can prescribe and the context in which they can do so.

The practice of dentistry encompasses a wide range of procedures, and with that comes the obligation to treat patients ethically and responsibly. Prescribing medications should align with the dental treatments they provide, ensuring that it serves a legitimate medical purpose related to the patient's dental health. This includes prescriptions for pain management, infection control, and other dental-related conditions.

Licensed dentists must adhere to state laws and ethical guidelines which limit their prescribing abilities to those medications that are clinically relevant to their patients' dental care and are within their expertise. This ensures patient safety and compliance with healthcare regulations, as inappropriate prescribing can lead to misuse, dependence, and other adverse effects for patients.

The other options suggest exceptions or limitations that do not fully capture the requirement of responsible prescribing within the field, making it clear that the correct stance is that dentists must operate within their defined practice boundaries while ensuring the necessity of any prescribed drugs.