Title: Organ Transplantation
Course: DEH 2821 Medically-Compromised Patient > Section: Module 6 - Organ Transplantation

Introduction

An estimated 120,000 people are waiting for an organ, and 18 people will die each day waiting for an organ. Transplantation is the process of surgically transferring a donated organ into a patient with end-stage organ failure. The majority of transplant candidates are waiting for kidney transplantation. (U.S. Government Information on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, organdonor.gov).

Research continues to support the connection between oral health and systemic health. Infection in the mouth is infection in the body. The system of a patient in organ failure is already under extreme stress. Establishing good oral health before, and preventing infections after organ transplantation is crucial.

Objectives

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

- Identify oral health needs of organ transplant patients before and after transplantation.
- Manage xerostomia as a special consideration in persons with renal disease.
- Discuss legal and ethical issues for organ transplant patients.

Readings & Resources

Dental Management of the Organ Transplant Patient

Dental Management of Patients Before and After Renal Transplantation

Assignments and Activities

- Post in the Module 6 Discussion Board
- BEGIN PATIENT PAMPHLET GROUP PROJECT (DUE MODULE 7)