Prior to anesthesia, patients should receive comprehensive assessments: 5 notes

Dental hygienists should conduct comprehensive patient assessments before administering anesthesia, according to the dental magazine RDH.

Here's what you need to know:

1. The article's author, registered dental hygienist Laura Webb, emphasizes that local anesthetics are safe when dispensed properly.

2. However, to ensure the proper anesthetic agent, dose and technique is used, hygienists should conduct comprehensive reviews of a patient's health and medicine background at each visit.

3. Patients' health history forms should be updated regularly, and patients should be asked about any changes in their health or medications at every appointment.

4. Several vital signs should be measured before administering local anesthetic, including pulse, respiration and blood pressure.

5. Other aspects of comprehensive patient assessments include physical examination, visual observation and psychological evaluation.

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