Protocols in dental conditions

Abstract

Patients consult pharmacists with complaints of dental pain and oral lesions. While some presentations may reflect minor aetiologies there are instances where referral to a dentist is necessary for further assessment and specific management. Pharmacists require the necessary skills to be able to identify cases where referral is essential and should be cognizant of common oral lesions and the medications and advice necessary for the management of minor conditions that do not require referral. Common oral lesions and conditions include recurrent aphthous ulcers, xerostomia and dental abscess. Aphthous ulcers are common recurrent lesions whilst xerostomia is an inconvenient condition which can be due to medications. In dental abscesses pharmacists may help in identifying the condition and in providing support until the patient contacts a dentist. These three conditions have been identified for the development of protocols to be followed by pharmacists when responding to complaints related to dental conditions. Daniela Attard has prepared the protocols as part of her project leading to a degree in pharmacy. These protocols form part of a series of protocols that are being developed by the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta as part of a research project in the area of evidence-based pharmacist interventions. [Preface by Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi]