Title: Patient Assessment: Medical History
Course: DEH 2821 Medically-Compromised Patient > Section: Module 1 - Patient Assessment: Medical History

Introduction

Loosely defined as the 78 million Americans born from 1946 to 1964, Baby Boomers entering their 60's could end up suffering from more disabilities than their counterparts from previous generations. They are more likely to have disabilities such as arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. (Daily News Los Angeles, By Susan Abram, Staff Writer, 11/18/2009). These individuals will present themselves for care in the dental office.

The preliminary step in the dental management of medically compromised patients is an assessment of their current physical status. The medical history, along with patient interviewing, provides the dental team with invaluable information in determining appropriate patient care. In this module, key aspects of obtaining, reviewing, and updating the patient medical history will be studied.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Identify and define key terms and concepts related to preparing patient histories.
- Discuss the purposes of the personal, medical, and dental histories.
- Identify medical problems that could necessitate the modification of dental care.
- Recognize systemic diseases that could necessitate communication with the patient’s physician.

Readings & Resources

Personal, Dental, and Medical Histories, Chapter 9, Wilkins

Health Histories – Beyond the Questionnaire

Assignments and Activities

- Complete the Student Contract.
- Post in the Greetings and Introductions Board.
- Post in the Module 1 Discussion Board.
- Complete the Module 1 Reflective Assignment.
- BEGIN THE CASE MANAGEMENT GROUP PROJECT (To be completed in Module 5)
- Complete the Module 1 Quiz.