Texas dental journal
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Dental sleep medicine is an exciting frontier in dentistry. It is regulated by a strict set of standards as outlined by the current governing board of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. ⋯ It calls for communication between two branches of the medical professions that has not been seen since my grandfather, who was a dentist, communicated about patients with his brother, who was a physician, while at family dinners. It is a great responsibility with great rewards.
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Drug abuse and diversion of controlled substances prescribed by dentists will continue to be an important issue in the overall management of dental pain, and must be recognized by the dentist. If suggested guidelines, regulations, and laws are observed, the associated problems for the dentist and the entire dental team and their patients can be minimized. Pain control is an essential service and duty for dentists, and the appropriate selection and use of analgesics affords this service with the best safety and efficacy.