MFDS Refers 12 Dental Clinics Suspected of Narcotics Misuse for Investigation; 9 Face Administrative Action

Inspection of 30 Dental Clinics with High Prescription Rates

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has requested that investigative authorities look into 12 dental clinics suspected of misusing medical narcotics such as propofol and midazolam.

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Building. Photo by Yonhap News

The Ministry announced on May 6 the results of a joint inspection conducted in February 2026, together with local governments, on 30 dental clinics to ensure appropriate prescription and use of medical narcotics.

This inspection was based on an analysis of big data on narcotics prescriptions from the Narcotics Integrated Management System, focusing on dental clinics with the highest number of prescriptions for sedative hypnotics (midazolam) and anesthetics (such as ketamine). The analysis period covered November 2024 to October 2025.

The 12 clinics referred for investigation were found to have frequently prescribed or administered propofol and midazolam for treatments such as nutritional IV infusions or minor dental procedures. The Ministry made the referral after external experts reviewed the medical validity of these practices.

For nine clinics that violated reporting obligations regarding narcotics handling—such as failure to report or delayed reporting—the Ministry requested administrative action from local governments. As some clinics were found to have committed multiple violations, a total of 17 clinics are subject to measures.

Oh Yu-kyoung, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, stated, "If medical narcotics such as propofol are misused, they can cause physical and psychological dependence, potentially leading to addiction," and urged both doctors and patients to ensure appropriate prescription and use.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.