Understanding the importance of patients' medical histories

As dental professionals we are committed to the Hippocratic Oath, which states ‘that we must do no harm’ to our patients. Thus in the dental setting we are responsible to our patients for ensuring that we:

? Recognise potential sinister and previously undiagnosed medical problems

? Avoid the escalation of any ongoing existing medical condition

? Identify the patient at risk and prevent the development of common medical conditions

? Be confident in preventing and managing medical emergencies as a team.

With the introduction of the new dental contract it is expected that the dental team will participate and facilitate a more holistic approach to the patient's overall medical and social care (Tickle, 2012; Dent, 2010). This development will require a cultural change for the dental team and the patients. This is why it is so important for the dental team to be familiar with common medical problems and confident in advising patients when to seek further advice. With the new dental contract, we welcome a holistic approach to patients' care. Thus the dental team will participate in prevention and management of the patients' overall medical and social care.