Medical Risk Assessment in Patients Referred to Dental Clinics, Mashhad, Iran (2011-2012)

Advances in medical and dental techniques have led to a growing aged population living with complex medical conditions. This study focuses on the detection of medically compromised dental patients by means of a validated patient-administered medical risk-related history questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the questionnaire EMRRH (European Risk Related Medical History) in order to study the prevalence as well as the risk assessment of past medical problems in a population who visited dental centers (dental university, dental offices and clinics) for treatment in Mashhad, Iran. RESULTS: A total number of 1,188 patients were registered, 871 of whom had a medical history that was of some interest to us. From the population with medical problems which was 30.6% of the total (N=219), 26.7% of the patients were classified as risk ASA I; 37.3% as ASA II, 16.9% as ASA III; and 19.1% as ASA IV. Among the diverse pathologies, the highest percentage was hypertension (11.6%), followed by allergies to different drugs (8.37%). CONCLUSION: It seems absolutely essential for dental practitioners to take a detailed medical history prior to any therapeutic procedure, as certain medical conditions, if unnoticed, will lead to unfavorable consequences and/or repercussions.