Correlation of dental-record medical histories with outpatient medical records

Medical history questionnaires and outpatient medical records of 115 patients were compared. All patients had a medical history of at least two years in both records. The dental records were initially reviewed, and patients' responses were compiled; when these were compared with the outpatient medical records, the overall discrepancy rate was > 86 percent. This overwhelming rate of error should make dentists aware that many routinely treated patients have medical conditions that are unknown to providers. Use of universal precautions, adequate medical-emergency training, and oral review of the dental health questionnaire are recommended.