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Standard of
care states that the first step in any dental office visit should be a
thorough medical/dental history. Asking the patient (parent or
guardian if the patient is a minor) directly about past/present medical
conditions, allergies, and current medications may provide more accurate
information than just having them fill out the document in the waiting
room. This also allows you to assess the physical, emotional and
mental condition of the person as you review the questions together.
If you notice any of the following, investigate further:
v
Patient seems confused, unable to focus and/or answer questions
v
Patient seems nervous, paranoid, talks
incessantly
v
Patient has considerable dental decay or
worn/broken/cracked teeth.
v
Patient is pregnant and still using Meth.
As with any stimulant use, using a local anesthetic with epinephrine could
lead to a heart arrhythmia or a medical emergency in your office.
Include in your office policies how you will
deal with a tweaker or a
parent/guardian who appears under the influence of Meth. Do you
proceed with treatment knowing the possible health risks? Will you
let a child leave with an impaired adult? Make sure everyone in the
office recognizes the signs and knows what to do before the situation
occurs.
MANDATORY REPORTING
Dental professionals are mandatory reporters of suspected child neglect or
abuse, and should be aware of HB 1258.
As mandatory reporters, anyone in a dental office must report any instance
where there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the age of
18 has been abused or neglected. This law expands the definition of
an abused or neglected child to include those exposed to an environment
used for the manufacturing, use or distribution of Meth or any unlawfully
manufactured controlled drug or substance. These types of
environments place children at extremely high risk for abuse and neglect.
How and Where to Report Suspected
Abuse/Neglect Cases |
Dental Care
Office Procedures
Oral Outcomes
Talking With Patients
Meth Mouth
Mandatory Reporters & Where to Report |
