Every visit to the dentist typically starts with a familiar question: "Has anything changed with your medical history?" While it might seem like a routine formality, your answers are incredibly important. Your dentist isn't just being thorough; they're gathering vital information that directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of your dental care. From medications you're taking to pre-existing conditions, your up-to-date medical history is a cornerstone of safe and successful treatment. Let's dive into why this seemingly simple question holds so much weight.
Providing your dentist with a complete and up-to-date medical history and a list of all your medications isn't just a request—it's a critical step in protecting your health during dental treatment. This vital information allows your dental team to proactively prevent dangerous drug interactions (especially with local anaesthetics or sedatives) and effectively manage any bleeding risks if you're on blood thinners. It also helps them understand how conditions like diabetes or a compromised immune system might affect your healing or susceptibility to infection. Furthermore, your history enables them to spot oral signs of broader health issues and tailor your treatment for specific situations, such as pregnancy or existing heart conditions. Being aware of medication side effects, like dry mouth, is also crucial for preventing future dental problems. Ultimately, sharing your comprehensive medical information ensures your dentist can provide you with the safest, most effective, and truly personalised care.
Under the General Dental Council (GDC) "Standards for the Dental Team," UK dentists are explicitly required to keep "complete and accurate patient records, including an an up-to-date medical history, each time that you treat patients." While this could be interpreted as a simple verbal check at each appointment, the consensus among leading professional indemnity organizations and established best practice guidelines is to secure a written, signed update of the medical history annually (every 12 months).
We understand that it might feel a bit frustrating to repeatedly fill out these forms, and we truly appreciate your patience. However, our primary goal in asking for updated information is to keep you as safe as possible and provide you with the best possible care. Your comprehensive and current medical history is crucial for us to identify potential risks, prevent complications, and tailor your treatment specifically to your needs, ensuring your well-being throughout every visit.