Dental management of medically compromised patients is becoming a routine and increasingly important part of dental practice. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. First, the population continues to age.
Many older patients have multiple medical conditions.
Second, as medical care becomes more effective and cost issues are emphasized, many patients are being treated on an ambulatory basis to avoid hospitalization. Consequently, these individuals are in the community and readily seek dental care. Third, the sophistication of medical treatment is prolonging life. Therefore, behavior disorders and diseases of the mouth as manifestations of systemic disease are seen at an increasing rate, and require prompt and adequate care by experienced specialists. In addition, oral cancer continues to be a serious problem.