Dental Did You Know: Common Systemic Diseases in Elderly Patients that Affect Dental Care: Arthritis

Arthritis can cause reduced dexterity for oral hygiene/restorative procedures, joint discomfort in the dental chair, and a tendency to bleed.  Providers should be aware of antibiotic coverage for joint protheses and the possible need for corticosteroid supplementation.

Source: Committee of Clinical and Scientific Affairs, Best Practices for Aging Adults in Private Dental Practice, J Can Dent Assoc 2011;77:b40.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Hepatitis B Dental Facts

In general, all dental and medical professionals in Canada and the US are required to have documented proof of immunization against hepatitis B to prevent onset of the disease and to prevent transmission to patients.

Why is this needed and why are regulatory colleges so strict about it?

1. Worldwide, there were an estimated 350 million carriers of Hep B
2. 10-18% of surgeons worldwide have Hep B
3. The estimated risk of transmission from an infected worker is 240-1400 per 1 million procedures
4. The sero (blood) conversion rate from a potentially infected workers is 19-30%

Source: Anand R and Bowker C, RCDSO, The Legal and Human Rights Ramifications of Serology Testing for Dental Professionals, PEAK Bulletin May/June 2009


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100