Editor's blog

Lorazepam ill-advised due to age and obesity

Submitted by Editor on May 9, 2012 - 4:20pm

The patient is a 69-year-old woman who is being treated for a number of issues related to high blood pressure and obesity. What special considerations does she present for sedation, and how dramatically must the protocol be altered to promote a successful experience?

Good Call vs. Bad Call May 2012

Submitted by Editor on May 2, 2012 - 5:16pm

The person who answers the phone makes the first impression for your dental practice. What impression is your practice making?

Administer more medication to obese patient in order to adequately sedate

Submitted by Editor on May 2, 2012 - 5:12pm

The 28-year-old patient uses neither drugs nor alcohol and her medical history is unremarkable. However she does take medication for migraine headaches. After three successive administrations of .25 mg triazolam the woman was still anxious about dental treatment. What went wrong, if anything?

Despite medication issues, good airway makes teen good sedation candidate

Submitted by Editor on April 26, 2012 - 11:06am

If a child weighs as much as a grown man, does that complicate his sedation planning? A dentist must perform an emergency root canal but wonders whether this 13-year-old’s medical situation—which includes taking the drugs clonidine, escitalopram and methyline—rules out certain protocols.

Do you know colleagues who would benefit from DOCS Education courses?

Submitted by Editor on April 19, 2012 - 2:11pm

You know the benefits that DOCS Education courses bring to your practice—do you know other doctors who would want the same? With the DOCS Share the Education Referral Program, both you and your colleagues save money on top-notch continuing education.

Otherwise healthy, man possesses strong gag reflex

Submitted by Editor on April 19, 2012 - 2:03pm

A middle-aged patient in excellent health has a strong gag reflex. While the dentist has worked around this problem through extractions, the man is now considering sedation. Given the length of time he’ll spend in the chair—up to five hours—is the best protocol single-dose or incremental?

Responses to the Kellogg Foundation Report on Dental Therapists: A Breakdown

Submitted by Editor on April 19, 2012 - 1:37pm

It’s common knowledge that the W.K. Kellogg Foundation recently released review that suggests dental therapists have offered safe and cost-effective dental care in most counties in which they practice. DOCS Education breaks down the main points of the review as well as dental organization responses.

Dentists urged to participate in 13th annual Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Submitted by Editor on April 3, 2012 - 2:44pm

This month the Oral Cancer Foundation urges dentists around the nation to take part in Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Read more to learn how to take participate.

Continue sedation patient on regular medication regimen

Submitted by Editor on April 3, 2012 - 9:45am

The 53-year-old sedation patient already takes an antidepressant and sleep aid each day. The dentist questions whether these dosages should be altered—or the drugs eliminated entirely—on the evening before her appointment.

Man's drinking warrants referral for alcoholism treatment--not sedation services

Submitted by Editor on March 20, 2012 - 1:51pm

The 45-year-old patient presents in a state of jitters and tremulousness. The man says "a little bourbon" will set him straight. Is he a good candidate for sedation care or is another type of treatment advised?

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