title: The historical profile.
abstract: Sir William Osler once said one should "never treat a stranger." His statement is especially applicable to the practice of dentistry in which the physical and emotional stability of the patient is determined primarily by using the medical history. However, patients do not always appreciate the significance of medically related questions asked by a dentist. The accomplished clinician must, therefore, not only master the science of inquiry and the art of observation but must also establish the rapport that precedes the unguarded flow of pertinent information from the patient. This information is germinal to successful treatment.
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D003729:Dental Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D010808:Physical Examination; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis