gimmethetooth.UK DENTAL REVISION
Browse all 140 topics ↗BDS core + postgraduate stretch
SUBJECT 13 / PATIENT SAFETY

Special care & medicine

Adapt care to health, disability, medicines and circumstances.

9 detailed notes·Clinical examples + recall

Topics

9 notes

01BDS core

Medical history and reconciliation

Record diagnoses, current medicines, allergies, previous anaesthetic issues and functional status; check uncertain details before intervention.

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02BDS core

Anticoagulants and antiplatelets

Assess procedure bleeding risk, drug, indication and local haemostatic options using current guidance. Avoid unplanned cessation of therapy.

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03BDS core

Diabetes in dentistry

Consider glycaemic control, meal and medication timing, hypoglycaemia risk, infection and wound healing. Coordinate changes for complex cases.

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04BDS core

Cardiovascular disease

Consider symptoms, exercise tolerance, medicines and the procedure's stress and bleeding implications. Seek medical advice when unstable.

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05BDS core

Pregnancy

Provide necessary dental care with appropriate prevention, positioning, imaging justification and prescribing decisions rather than delaying untreated disease.

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06BDS core

Older adults and frailty

Consider polypharmacy, dry mouth, cognition, function, nutrition and access. Agree a plan that is maintainable for the person and carers.

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07BDS core

Disability and reasonable adjustments

Adapt communication, timing, environment, access and support to enable equitable care. Ask what works for the person rather than assuming.

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08BDS core

Capacity and supported decisions

Capacity is decision-specific and may fluctuate. Support understanding and apply the relevant legal framework when a person cannot decide.

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09Postgraduate stretch

Complex comorbidity

When risks interact, agree priorities and a shared plan with the patient and relevant clinicians; document who is responsible for each action.

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