Lecture 1 key points

What is the BEST way to prevent a medical emergency?

Understand your patient's medical history

What are the benefits of obtaining an accurate medical history?

Checks if dental treatment is safe, needs changes or sedation, avoids drug problems, and provides legal protection.

How should you go through a patient's medical history?

Go over it systematically and thoroughly

What should you do when a patient answers "yes" to a medical history question?

Ask a follow up question

If a patient says "yes" when asked if they take medications, what should you ask next?

Ask what medications they take, why they take them, and the dosages.

What is one medical history question that is particularly important to dental treatment?

When patient takes bisphosphonates

Why are bisphosphonates important in dentistry?

Puts patient at risk for bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of jaw (BRONJ), after tooth extraction.

Do patients with artificial joints currently need antibiotics before dental treatment?

No, in 2015 the ADA recommended that no antibiotic be prescribed

What should a patient with an artificial joint do if questions arise about antibiotic use before dental treatment?

Talk to their physician

When should a patient's medical history be reviewed?

At every appointment.

What should you ask about the patient's medical history at every appointment?

Has anything changed since last appointment

How often should a new medical history generally be taken?

Every year.

Why do you need to be familiar with ASA classifications at IUFW?

You will determine what ASA classification your patient falls into

What should you know about diseases and ASA classifications?

Know what diseases fall into each ASA classification

Will ASA classifications be tested?

Yes

When are medical consultations usually performed?

When patients have severe, life-threatening conditions, such as ASA IV conditions.

What are examples of conditions that may require a medical consultation?

Severe kidney or liver disease.

What is the purpose of a medical consultation?

Talk with the patient's physician, explain what dental treatment, and get advice about the patient's health and ability to withstand dental treatment.