Abstract
This commentary emphasizes the increasing necessity of hospital-based general dentists. Historically, dentists faced challenges for privileges in hospitals, but today they are crucial, especially for neurodivergent adult patients and those with complex chronic illnesses requiring general anesthesia for dental care. Untreated oral issues can lead to severe infections, complicating acute medical conditions and threatening the success of life-saving surgeries like organ transplants. Hospital dentists provide vital pre-surgical evaluation, diagnosis, and follow-up care to prevent dental complications and improve patient quality of life post-surgery. Despite their critical role, the article highlights a concerning trend of fewer hospitals having general dentists on staff.
Recommended Citation
Porter, Tanaya K. DDS and Spangler, Craig C. DDS
(2025)
"The Back Page: Hospital General Dentistry: Needed Now More Than Ever,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 107:
No.
8, Article 11.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol107/iss8/11
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