Dental Treatment of the Medically Compromised Patient and Those with Special Needs

Many seriously chronic physically and mentally sick and handicapped patients may safely be treated under local anaesthesia in general dental practice or community clinics. Referral to departments of oral & maxillofacial surgery, however, is required for those patients needing specialist anaesthetic skills.

Some patients with major medical problems such as haemophilia, the immuno-suppressed, severe cardiac problems and insulin dependent diabetics may require admission to hospital under the care of oral & maxillofacial surgeons.

The oral & maxillofacial surgeon with the skills and knowledge to assess needs and risks unique among the dental specialities is in a position to offer comprehensive advice and support in these difficult and potentially life threatening situations.

It is no longer acceptable for general anaesthetics to be given for dental procedures in general practice and in some areas of the country there is a major demand, particularly in children, for such a service requiring specialist anaesthetic support.