After years of recommending preventive antibiotics, in 2007 the American Heart Association changed its' guidelines. For decades, antibiotic pre-medication was recommended to reduce the chance of spreading infection from mouth bacteria that are released during dental treatment. New evidence shows that in many situations, it may not be necessary.
Patients need help in understanding this huge change. Dentists need documentation that patients have been informed. The new form plus CDROM, "Informed Consent-Prophylactic Antibiotic Pre-Medication Form" can help. This form addresses the new American Heart Association and ADA recommendations in easy-to-understand terms. It clearly states health conditions and situations where preventive antibiotics are not recommended and where they are still recommended. A section addressing other issues such as auto-immune diseases, prosthetic joints, and others is also included. The form follows accepted consent format guidelines and is written in simple language so patients will understand it; all on a single sheet.
Written by Carol Tekavec CDA RDH, author of the best selling "Informed Consent Form 31 Form Booklet and CD", patient education brochures, 28 year practicing clinical hygienist and Consultant to the ADA Council on Dental Practice. For more information click here or call (800) 548-2164. Cost: $15, including shipping, for the form and CDROM.
