TY - JOUR PY - 2010// TI - The dental patient who is "high:" ethical and scientific recommendations for the standard of care JO - Journal of the American College of Dentists A1 - Peltier, Bruce A1 - Giusti, Lola A1 - Hoover, Terry A1 - Fountain, Jennifer A1 - Persinger, Jared A1 - Sutter, Scott SP - 21 EP - 34 VL - 77 IS - 1 N2 - Patients sometimes appear for dental appointments after consuming alcohol or marijuana. There is presently no consensus standard of care in this area, and dentists vary in their responses to such patients. This paper includes interviews with practitioners and a review of the relevant biochemical and physiological science. The ethics of various ways to handle this challenging situation are examined, and evidence-based recommendations for dental practice are offered. While there is reason for caution, the authors conclude that a blanket "do not treat" policy is unwarranted. Informed consent and transportation safety issues pose significant moral challenges when a dental patient is "high."

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0002-7979 UR - http://dx.doi.org/ ID - ref1 ER -