title: Patient assessment and preventive measures for medical emergencies in the dental office.
abstract: Many practicing dentists have faced few medical emergencies in their practice and often overlook effective preventive measures. The proper and accurate assessment of a patient is paramount in preventing an emergency crisis in the dental office. This article helps the practitioner to evaluate the history and physical examination of the patient, including the patient's medical and surgical history, in order to make informed decisions about treatment options.
authors.affiliation: Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bowie, Maryland 20715, USA.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Shampaine
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000009:adverse effects; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000379:methods*; D004630:Emergencies; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D012307:Risk Factors