Correlation of dental-record medical histories with outpatient medical records.
Medical history questionnaires and outpatient medical records of 115 patients were compared. All patients had a medical history of at least two years in both records. The dental records were initially reviewed, and patients' responses were compiled; when these were compared with the outpatient medical records, the overall discrepancy rate was > 86 percent. This overwhelming rate of error should make dentists aware that many routinely treated patients have medical conditions that are unknown to providers. Use of universal precautions, adequate medical-emergency training, and oral review of the dental health questionnaire are recommended.
Lutka
R W
RW
66th Medical Detachment, Fort Stewart, Georgia, USA.
Threadgill
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D003792:Dental Records / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008498:Medical Record Linkage; D008499:Medical Records / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires