Drugs & Dentistry: Meeting New Challenges & Avoiding Risk

Increasing numbers of dental patients are uncontrolled hypertensives or on multiple medications with complex oral health problems. Many new cardiovascular and central nervous system drugs can interact with dental drugs or affect bleeding or wound healing. Patient self-medication with supplements and over-the-counter drugs has recently been recognized as potentially risky in dentistry. Consequently, more and more patients report chemical and drug allergies and intolerances. Dental professionals are frequently faced with medically complex and chemically challenged patients and need practical strategies for providing safe and appropriate care. The purpose of this course is to identify new drug-related problems encountered in dental practice and to outline practical management solutions. Extensive handouts will supplement discussion of intra-oral drug effects, new premed guidelines, and treatment modifications involving medicated, xerostomic, or allergic patients. Throughout the program, primary emphasis will be placed on developing consistent strategies for treating medically complex dental patients. An extensive and very current handout will greatly enhance the chair-side value of this fast-paced and practical course.