(PO-194) The Physician and the Dentist: A Case Report at the Crossroads

Author: Ross M. Teicher, D.D.S.
Author: Marc Henschel, D.D.S. – University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Submitter: Ross M. Teicher, D.D.S.

Objectives: The objective of our study is to provide dental students with the understanding of the all-important crossroads between the physician and dentist in their contributory roles in the maintenance of overall patient health and to appreciate the role of allied dental professions within the overall care of our patient.

Methods: This case report examines the medical history & presentation of a patient which was a unique presentation. The patient reported a non-contributory medical history with abnormal dental findings. Our patient, RJ, had rapid deterioration of his dentition. The pace at which this proceeded raised far too many concerns. The combined history and exam led us to an investigation of any underlying issues within the patient and collaboration with our colleagues.

Results: In consultation with our colleagues in the medical & allied dental field, we were able to identify systemic health issues that affected this patient, leading to subsequent dental consequences. The patient ultimately had an undiagnosed, asd untreated, Systemic Lupus Erythematous with secondary Sjogren’s disease. The oral manifestations and associated sequelae helped to explain the changes as seen in our clinical photos. This was further underscored to dental students with the addition of our dental hygienists & allied professions who identified many of the reasons our patients oral health rapidly declined.

Conclusions: This case report helps to outline the importance of communication between the dentist, the physician and the allied dental groups. It is of paramount importance to not only communicate with the appropriate counterparts, but simultaneously be mindful of our patient’s holistic health in order to properly understand any underlying issues over time. As dentists we must remove ourselves from being “tooth mechanics” and remember that our patients have multiple health concerns, all of which we should be aware of and develop interdisciplinary collaborations at any given time.