Summary

Providing dental care for medically compromised patients is something that can be done with care and caution. Oral health is imperative for medically compromised patients, especially given the relationship between oral and systemic health. In many cases, improving oral health can make it easier to control the disease or prevent it from getting worse. Dental providers can play a pivotal role in assessing patients for disease control when performing the health history and physical assessments. Knowing when dental care can be safely provided and when to consult with the patient’s primary physician or specialist can save valuable time for both the dental personnel and the patient. Using the information provided in this course, in addition to professional experience, dental practitioners can address the needs of medically compromised patients with more confidence.