PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE CAN NO LONGER BE TAKEN FOR CE POINTS. This course is available now for review by registered users to reprint their Certificates if needed. It has expired and can no longer be taken to achieve CE points or certificates.
Statistically our office patient population will gradually get older and a higher percentage will have chronic significant medical conditions. Unfortunately most of us are not keeping up with an awareness of new drugs or procedures and how these can impact our practices. Understanding just how stable or unstable a patient is can help to avoid a disaster. Getting ‘Medical Clearance’ from the family doc is no longer a ‘get out of jail free card’.
The first half of this session will give the GP an overview of what’s new in the medical management of their dental patients. Common conditions such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, kidney failure and obesity will be reviewed. The impact of new anticoagulants, blood pressure medication and anti-arrhythmics on dental treatment will be considered.
The second half will be dedicated to dealing with events that range from nuisance to the life threatening. A simple approach to the distressed patient will let the Dental Team recognize what is serious and then address it in a confident and definitive manner.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand just how compromised ‘sick’ patients are and to identify the ‘red flags’.
- Provide an overview of new medications and procedures that may impact the dental appointment.
- Provide a simple approach to assessing and stabilizing a patient in an emergency situation.