CommentaryDentists are part of the team
Section snippets
Background
When a dentist is asked to evaluate a pregnant patient's oral condition by her obstetrician, then sends a consultation report back to the referring obstetrician, it can be interpreted as a “request to treat” by the referring physician. In fact, dentists need to be a bit more proactive in these cases based on several facts. Specifically, dentists should be aware that nothing they do with the patient under local anesthesia hurts a fetus. Not only local anesthetics, but also penicillin antibiotics
Dentist Recommendations
Some dentists lack confidence in their understanding of the pregnant patient's risk. As a result, they may be reluctant to provide appropriate dental care. At the same time, physicians appear to have a professional dominance over dentists in perception if not in fact. Dentists must cope with the belief of some patients that the physician has the final word on patient care even if he or she is not trained in that area. Dentists need to remember that they are trained in the care of oral health,
Discussion
Health care is moving toward a patient-centered model, so constructive communication among all those involved in the patient's care should be a welcome event. It is desirable for the patient's welfare if all members of the treatment team are aware of what the other team members are doing. With this in mind, dentists can send a note or make a phone call to alert medical colleagues to the oral health care needs of their mutual patient. This isn't a request for permission but an effort to keep the
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Carney KK: Just do it. Calif Dent Assoc J 45:273-274, 2017
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