Dr. John O’Keefe spoke with Dr. Anne Twomey, past President of the Irish Dental Association and who recently addressed the Irish Gerontologist’s Society. The society is composed of consultant geriatricians who are strong advocates for multidisciplinary team approaches in caring for patients; however, no dentist had spoken to this organization to date. As such, Dr. Twomey shared her experiences and insights gained from her practice with their members. Highlights Better outcomes for patients can be expected, if dentists are included in patient care early in their overall care plan. Preventive care is very important for elderly patients. There are several ...

This summary is based on information found in Dental Implant Complications: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment, 2 (Wiley Publishing, 2015) Key messages Patient selection is the critical factor for implant success and survival in any medically complex situation. When medical conditions are managed wisely, most patients have improved overall health with fixed replacements as opposed to removable appliances. Exceptional care must be taken so that any implants placed will be successful and safe for the clinician and the patient. It is essential to routinely review the literature and expect that protocols for patients with systemic diseases or taking medications will be regularly updated as our knowledge of dental implants advances.   Although ...

Dr. Aviv Ouanounou comes back to speak about depression and anti-depressant medication and the main considerations in treating patients who are taking anti-depressants. Highlights  Depression is a common disease that affects the elderly and is the 4th highest cause of disability worldwide. The disease can affect not only the individual diagnosed with depression but, also his/her family and friends. Genetics, biochemical imbalances, stress, personality type, certain medications as well previous depressive episodes can predispose one to depression. Signs and symptoms vary from one individual to another but include suicidal thoughts, sadness, low self-esteem, disturbed sleep patterns and irritability. Types of ...

Dr. Aviv Ouanounou comes back to speak about how to manage patients who suffer from thyroid disease.  Highlights Dr. Aviv Ouanounou discusses thyroid disease and its dental implications. The thyroid gland produces two important thyroid hormones, T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). The thyroid gland has many important functions including: metabolism, growth and development, cardiovascular effects (stroke volume, heart rate etc.), memory, growth and maturation of the epidermis and the central nervous system. Thyroid disease commonly presents as either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and commonly affects women more often than men. Risk factors for thyroid disease include women aged 55+, obesity, radiation ...

Dr. Jose Lança, from the Faculty of Dentistry and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, speaks with Dr. John O’Keefe about the important decisions dentists need to make when treating patients who are on anticoagulants and who need dental surgery: should they, or not, ask the patient to stop taking their anticoagulant medication? Highlights The monitoring of warfarin anticoagulation is aimed at conventional anticoagulation INR of 2.0-3.0 (normal INR:0.9-1.1). Intensive anticoagulation is defined as an INR of 2.5-3.5, and critical values of >4.5-5.0. Do not be quick in discontinuing oral anticoagulants just because the patient might experience ...

In this video, Lisa Mayo, RDH, presents some tips on how to manage the patient with ADHD in the dental practice. Lisa leads a webinar on teh COlgate Oral health Network titled: Why  Won’t He Sit Still?…Because He Can’t! You can access the webinar here       Lisa Dowst-Mayo, RDH, BSDH graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene at Baylor College of Dentistry in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene.  She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Ohio University.  She has held numerous leadership roles in the tripartite of the ...

Dr. Dan Pompa spoke with Dr. Suham Alexander about a webinar he presents on the Colgate oral Health Network for Professional Development and Education, entitled: Update on Medical Emergencies: 2016. Access the Webinar here After graduating from New York University College of Dentistry in 1978, Dr. Pompa completed a General Practice Residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital, followed by specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Lincoln Hospital, New York Medical College. In 1982, he became a Fellow of The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and in 1992 a Fellow in The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. In November ...

Dr. Aviv Ouanounou, fron the University of Toronto, comes back to offer tips on how to manage the patient with Parkinson’s disease in the dental office.   Highlights Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and degenerative neurological disorder characterized by: bradykinesia, tremors, rigidity and postural stability. This disease affects ~2 million people in the United States and every year 80,000 new cases are diagnosed. While this disease is usually found in those 65 and older, approximately 10% of Parkinsonian patients are younger than 45 years of age. There are 4 main classes of medications used to treat the disease. Levo-dopa (with ...