In addition to opioid dependence, can buprenorphine also be used to treat chronic pain?

Yes: Buprenorphine is available in a transdermal (skin patch) which is appliednce weekly.

Butrans & buprenex (buprenorphine): Intravenous Buprenorphine (buprenex) initially gained fda approval in the us as an analgesic agent. Recently, a trandermal patch (butrans) was approved. The oral formulation does not have a fda indication as of yet. On a case by case basis, a doctor can decide if opiates are even appropriate for the chronic pain & bup may be a good option due to its ceiling effect.