AIDS therapy and the detection of adverse drug effects in dental practice

Article Abstract:

Dentists are involved in identifying early symptoms of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The dentist should be also be aware of the adverse effects of medication taken by patients with HIV infection and AIDS. A computer review of the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Drug Reaction (FDA; ADR) reporting system was undertaken. The purpose of this review was to determine which side effects of AIDS drugs are likely to be seen by a dentist. The ADR is a surveillance tool that indicates a suspected association between a specific reaction and a drug; it does not imply a causal relationship. Three drugs were surveyed: zidovudine, pentamidine and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole (TMX). Zidovudine appeared to have some oral manifestations. Of 1,028 total patient reports of side effects, 28 involved the mouth or oral mucosa. This was the only drug used exclusively for patients with AIDS. Pentamidine and TMX are used to treat AIDS as well as other conditions. Pentamidine was not reported to be associated with any oral side effects. TMX had 3,517 reports of reactions and 1,000 were related to the mouth. For both zidovudine and TMX, oral manifestations of reported side effects included inflammation of the tongue and gums, ulcerative stomatitis, and disturbances of taste. It is important that dental intervention be coordinated with the patient's medical care. All health practitioners are encouraged to report any possible adverse drug reactions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Drug therapy, Information services, AIDS (Disease), Zidovudine, United States. Food and Drug Administration, Trimethoprim, Pentamidine isethionate, Pentamidine

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The ADA and dentistry answer a critical public health challenge

Article Abstract:

The American Dental Association (ADA) has been in the forefront of infection control. Their infection control activities began long before the crisis surrounding AIDS and HIV infection (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus). Since 1985 the ADA has sponsored educational programs concerning AIDS and HIV. The ADA has assisted its members in complying with government regulations, and has opposed regulations it considered unreasonable. During the past year, ADA activities regarding dental care and patients with AIDS and/or HIV have included conferences, journal articles, preparation of a guidebook on regulatory compliance, preparation of educational material and answering media questions and promoting public understanding. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Prevention, Ethical aspects, Dentistry, Communicable diseases, AIDS virus carriers, HIV carriers, editorial, Dental public health, Public health dentistry

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A banner year for organized dentistry

Article Abstract:

The American Dental Association (ADA) has made great progress in 1996. Membership stabilized after seven years of decline. More women and minorities have not only joined but taken leadership roles. More dental students have joined. The ADA established the New Dentist Committee, a nation-wide network intended to involve new dentists. The ADA is addressing managed care by promoting dental direct reimbursement plans to employers and benefits managers and its grassroots legislative network team is promoting dentistry-friendly health care policies. Future issues to be addressed include licensure and freedom of movement and improving the dental school program accreditation process.

Cover Story

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