The special article, “Clinical considerations and potential liability associated with the use of ionizing radiation in orthodontics” (Abdelkarim A, Jerrold L. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2018;154:15-25), provides a considerable…
Definition Disorders of white blood cells (WBCs) in dental patients can substantially influence clinical decision making as well as the delivery of care because WBCs constitute the primary defense against…
Definition Disorders of the red blood cells (RBCs) are of clinical importance in dental practice for several reasons. First, the dentist serves an important role in detecting patients with previously…
Definition A number of procedures that are performed in dentistry may cause bleeding. Under normal circumstances, these procedures can be performed with little clinical risk; however, in patients whose ability…
Definition Rheumatologic (or rheumatoid) disorders include much more than “arthritis” and encompass a large group (nearly 100) of disorders that affect bones, joints, and muscles. Arthritis is a nonspecific term…
Definition On June 5, 1981, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported five cases of Pneumocystis carinii (now jiroveci ) pneumonia in young homosexual men in Los…
Definition Women’s health is altered by pregnancy and by diseases unique to female anatomy and physiology. This chapter focuses on common conditions of women that require recognition and management by…
The adrenal glands are small (6–8 g) endocrine glands located bilaterally at the superior pole of each kidney. Each gland contains an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The adrenal medulla…
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases such as peptic ulcer disease (PUD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and pseudomembranous colitis are common and may affect the delivery of dental care. These patients can have…
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes bronchitis and emphysema, and chronic lower respiratory disease (COPD and asthma), are common pulmonary diseases that cause obstruction in airflow. They are discussed…
