Special care in dentistry : official publication of the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry
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Previously published national guidelines related to the teaching and performance of conscious sedation in dentistry have not included guidance in this area for program directors of General Practice Residency and Advanced Education in General Dentistry Programs. A suggested curriculum is presented here for use by program directors of such programs who wish to design training experiences in their own programs or as a reference for program directors who wish to compare their programs with experiences provided in other locations. Guidelines are provided for facilities, equipment, personnel, records and preparation necessary to perform conscious sedation procedures, as well as goals, objectives, and evaluation methodology for training residents in conscious sedation.
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Dental professionals are increasingly aware of their ethical responsibility to permit patients to participate in treatment decisions through the informed consent process. At the same time, growing numbers of geriatric patients present special challenges that can jeopardize the use of informed consent. ⋯ This article establishes the relationship between the ethical principle of autonomy and informed consent while examining factors that must be present in order for a valid informed consent to be obtained. Additionally, the article addresses informed consent issues regarding competent patients, geriatric patients with fluctuating or uncertain competency, and patients who are clearly incompetent.
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Review Case Reports
Multiple dental extractions using general anesthesia for a patient with Down and Eisenmenger syndromes and periodontal disease.
A patient with Down syndrome and severe retardation and Eisenmenger syndrome sought dental treatment at the Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital Dental Service. Eisenmenger syndrome is a form of cyanotic congenital cardiovascular pulmonary disease. ⋯ This article reviews the appropriate measures necessary for the safe anesthetic, operative, and perioperative care of a severely compromised patient. It is based on an understanding of the pathophysiology associated with Eisenmenger syndrome.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Palliation of radiation-related mucositis.
Oral mucositis associated with head and neck radiotherapy can substantially hinder completion of cancer therapy. Alleviation of this often severe stomatitis can provide enhanced patient comfort and facilitate appropriate care. ⋯ A combination of clinical evaluation and patient responses to a questionnaire was used to judge the results of the topical medications. Patients using the experimental medication developed less mucositis than did patients in the control group.