Conclusion Pediatric patients with complex medical issues are living longer, taking more medications, and presenting to dental offices in greater numbers than ever before. Research is demonstrating the relationship of oral health to overall health and the effect of medical intervention on oral disease. Our society’s knowledge base is growing with respect to childhood illness and treatment. The oral healthcare provider is in a unique position to affect both the oral health and overall health of this patient population. Balancing the presence of protective and risk/pathologic factors can be done with intimate knowledge of the medical management of these patients. Dentists and hygienists should take advantage of this knowledge base to garner a better understanding of how to maintain optimal oral health and under what circumstances it is appropriate to perform dental treatment. This course has summarized the most frequently encountered medical and developmental issues affecting the oral health care of the pediatric patient today. Techniques and medications have extended the life of people with cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and many other disorders. The complexity of medications and therapies employed to treat these patients has direct oral
health implications that need to be understood by members of the entire healthcare team. It is of great value to the practice of dentistry that providers be knowledgeable and comfortable in discussing medical issues with physicians and specialists. Through education and consultation with others, dental professionals can gain a greater understanding of patients with medical and psychosocial conditions. Collegial communication among all healthcare providers enhances ability to render the best care to the most vulnerable patients. The many issues presented by patients in dental offices today make it vital that providers understand the importance of their roles in maintaining the longevity and quality of life of these uniquely challenging pediatric patients.
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/Dental_ComplexPeds
DENTAL MANAGEMENT FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX NEEDS, 3RD EDITION Self-Assessment Answers and Rationales 1. The correct answer is d. Rationale: People with generalized bleeding after
3. The correct answer is b. Rationale: In 2023, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimated that by the end of the year, approximately 15,190 children ages 0 to 19 years would be diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. and that 1,590 children would die of the disease in the U.S. (NCI, 2023). The oral complications of cancer treatment are debilitating. The oral cavity is highly susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy and radiation and is the most frequently documented source of sepsis in the immunosuppressed cancer patient (NCI, 2016). 4. The correct answer is d. Rationale: Developmental disabilities are a group of disorders generally defined as a lifelong disease state due to mental or physical impairment occurring before age 18 (National Institute of Child Health and Development, 2021). This patient population presents with conditions affecting at least three of the four following activities of daily living: Ability to live independently, mobility, self-hygiene, and learning capabilities. Developmental disabilities can be grouped according to various classification systems, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and neuromuscular, all of which can have genetic components.
toothbrushing had an eightfold increase in the development of bacteremia. This suggests that maintaining the health of the gingival tissues may decrease the risks of developing IE. 2. The correct answer is a. Rationale: Drug-induced coagulation abnormalities occur in patients using warfarin or heparin under anticoagulation therapy. Such patients are at increased risk for bleeding with trauma or surgical procedures. Warfarin is the most widely used anticoagulant in the U.S. and works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of vitamin K– dependent coagulation proteins; factors VII, IX, and X; and prothrombin. Warfarin binds to albumin, is metabolized by the liver, and is excreted in the urine. The INR is employed to monitor warfarin’s effect.
EliteLearning.com/Dental
Page 159
Powered by FlippingBook