What to know about ketamine and keeping your patients safe

Oct. 15, 2024
Anything patients may be taking can impact dental treatment, so it’s critical to know everything we can about our patients to keep them safe. Here are three questions you should ask every patient before you offer treatment.

We were saddened to hear about Matthew Perry’s death and concerned when we heard about ketamine being involved.

This is a wake-up call for all dental professionals to strive to maintain open relationships with our patients so that we can have frank conversations with them about any medications they are taking—whether prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications and supplements.

Anything patients may be taking can impact dental treatment, so it’s critical to know everything we can about our patients to keep them safe. Ask these three questions of every patient before you offer treatment:

  • What did you take?
  • Why do you take it?
  • Did you take it today?

Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries to learn more about how ketamine is used in dentistry, how it can affect treatment, and how to create a safe space for patients to share their medical histories.

Thumbnail background image credit: pcess609 / iStock / Getty Images Plus

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

Related:

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, named chief editor of DentistryIQ

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.