CE0780: Dentistry for an Aging Population - The Common and the Complex

Sarah J. Dirks, DDS

Course Description:
Treating the elderly can be intimidating because it often requires the general dentist to manage complex problems in an atmosphere of uncertainty. This course explores practical approaches that will assist the general dentist in the successful management of dental patients with chronic medical conditions & complex dental needs. Learn risk assessment strategies needed to safely provide dental care. Update your knowledge regarding some of the most commonly encountered medical conditions in the elderly.

Course Topics:

Common and Complex Medical Challenges

• Determining when physician input is warranted
• Risk assessment of patients with multiple chronic medical conditions
• Antibiotic prophylaxis and management of patients in the "grey areas"
• Managing patients on anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy
• What is "medically necessary dental care?"

Common and Complex Dental Challenges

• Extensive and (failing) crown and bridge
• Complete dentures – tips to maximize success
• The must have "geriatric tools of the trade"
• Nursing facility dentistry – strategies for success
• Federal mandates for dental care in nursing facilities

Instructor:

SARAH J. DIRKS has a full-time private practice in Gerodontology and is contracted with numerous nursing facilities in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Dirks completed a two-year fellowship in Geriatric Medicine and served as Clinical Director of the UTHSCSA Geriatric Dental Clinic prior to going into private practice. She remains active at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and is a frequent continuing education speaker.

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