A 32-year old female patient presents for a 6-month periodic examination and cleaning. You have been providing dental treatment to this patient since she was 19 years old.
Three years ago, when she was pregnant, you provided treatment and follow-up care for pregnancy gingivitis. Last year, she was in a car accident and had to have surgery on her rotator cuff. You notice during this examination that her oral hygiene and home care is not as thorough as it once was. Due to your long-standing rapport with her, she divulges to you that she suffered from postpartum depression and the hydrocodone she was prescribed post shoulder surgery made her feel much better. She asks you if you could prescribe her hydrocodone because of your history with her and how comfortable she has become with you.