Managing medical complexity in the dental chair
New guidance aims to support clinicians with clear, practical advice.
From cancer treatment and antibiotic prophylaxis to managing anticoagulants, pacemakers, and even cold sores, medical conditions frequently influence decisions around personal care planning.
Recognising these varied and often complex scenarios, new guidance from the the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) – ‘Medical Conditions That May Impact Dental Appointments’ – brings together essential considerations in one accessible resource.
It aims to support clinicians with clear, practical advice across common areas of uncertainty, while encouraging a holistic, individualised approach to care.
The guidance also reinforces the importance of interprofessional communication, thorough documentation, and proactive patient education, all of which contribute to safe and effective personalised care planning.
Among the topics covered, the guidance explores how cancer treatment can affect oral health and dental care planning. Dental professionals are encouraged to work closely with oncology teams to understand the timing and effects of therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which may influence whether and when oral and dental care can proceed.
Clear guidance from oncology teams about appropriate timings for dental treatment can help bridge the gap between secondary and primary care, ensuring that oral healthcare teams are well-informed and aligned. Assessment appointments should be prioritised post-diagnosis and before treatment begins to ensure patients do not miss opportunities for preventive care.
Personal experience has shown how easily oral health advice from medical teams can differ from dental recommendations. When my mum was undergoing breast cancer treatment, she was advised to drink squash regularly for dry mouth and use chlorhexidine mouthwash twice a day. As a dental hygienist, I found this surprising and offered alternative guidance.
While communication between disciplines has certainly improved in recent years, the experience highlighted for me just how important it is that patients receive consistent, evidence-based advice. It also reinforced the value of dental professionals contributing confidently to those wider conversations.