When prescribing a topical local anaesthetic on an NHS dental prescription, which of the following preparations is suitable?

The suitable preparation for prescribing a topical local anaesthetic on an NHS dental prescription is a topical 5% ointment. This choice is strong because it typically provides a higher concentration of local anaesthetic, which can be more effective for dental procedures that require a longer duration of numbness or deeper penetration of the anaesthetic. In dentistry, the viscosity of an ointment can facilitate better adherence to the tissue, providing prolonged local anaesthesia at the site of application.

Furthermore, the formulations chosen for dental prescriptions need to have specific characteristics, such as consistency and duration of action, which align with the requirements of dental procedures. While other options might be effective local anaesthetics in different contexts, their formulations or concentrations may not meet the specific standards or have the regulatory approval needed for NHS dental prescriptions.