American Heart Association Guidelines Clarification

In April 2007, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated its guidelines on the use of prophylactic antibiotics.  In June 2007, the Journal of the American Dental Association published the updated AHA recommendations. Recent inquiries to the TDIC Risk Management Advice Line indicate that there may be some confusion regarding the updated guidelines.

The information provided by the AHA and ADA is not meant to supersede or eliminate the need to communicate with the patient’s physician to determine whether pre-medication is necessary.  The proper protocol is to work in conjunction with the patient’s physician to corroborate whether antibiotic prophylaxis is required.  TDIC has provided a fax form that dentists can use to obtain the physician’s prophylactic treatment recommendations.  The form is available online at thedentists.com/aha.

ADS members who require further clarification on this subject or any other liability issue can contact the TDIC Risk Management Advice Line at 800.733.0634.