Medically Complex Patients: Risk Assessment, Pharmacology, and Decision Making
Thursday, January 28, 2027
8:30 – 9:30 am
Course Code:
434TL
Cost:
$39
Credits:
1
CE Hour
NO CHARGE FOR ADA MEMBERS – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
$39 Non-Member Fee
This course is designed to provide dental practitioners with a practical and comprehensive approach to managing medically complex patients in everyday clinical practice. As the prevalence of systemic disease continues to rise, dentists must be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to safely treat patients with diverse medical conditions.
The presentation will focus on risk assessment using ASA classification and vital sign interpretation, enabling clinicians to identify and stratify patient risk effectively. Attendees will learn how to apply current evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis and safe medication use, while also gaining a deeper understanding of major drug classes, mechanisms of action, and potential drug interactions relevant to dentistry.
In addition, the course will address how to modify dental treatment for medically complex and special populations, including pregnant patients. Practical strategies for safely managing commonly encountered medications- such as analgesics, anticoagulants, and local anesthetics- will be emphasized throughout.
The course will incorporate clinical scenarios to enhance real-world decision-making and provide attendees with actionable tools that can be immediately implemented in practice.
Speakers
Learning Objectives:
- Assess patient risk using ASA status and vital sign interpretation
- Apply evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis and medication management
- Recognize major drug classes, mechanisms, interactions, and their dental implications
- Modify dental care for medically complex and special populations
- Safely manage analgesics, anticoagulants, and local anesthetics during dental treatment
The Massachusetts Dental Society is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at
ADA.org/CERP