Anticoagulants and dentistry
Welcome to this Dentaljuce module on anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, and how they affect the management of dental patients.
Some people have medical conditions that make the formation of thrombi (blood clots) within the heart and blood vessels more likely. Such thrombi can cause debilitating or fatal strokes, or embolisms.
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications reduce the risk of dangerous thrombus formation. However, they also increase the chance of unwanted post-operative haemorrhage following some dental procedures.
This module takes you through the risk assessment and subsequent management of dental patients who are taking anti-clotting medications.
The Anticoagulants and Dentistry online learning module has clear and concise aims, objectives and anticipated outcomes, listed below. These will appear on the Dentaljuce Enhanced CPD Certificate, along with the time spent, dates, and detailed topics you studied within the module. Certificates can be printed at any time, covering any range of dates. Dentaljuce CPD complies with the UK GDC's requirements for enhanced verifiable continuing professional development.
Before starting this module, check that the learning outcomes are what you require, and that you have entered the need into your PDP. Here is an example PDP entry for this module.
| What development needs have I? | How will I address them? | Target completion date | Outcomes | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improve my knowledge of anticoagulants and antiplatelets in dentistry | Take the Dentaljuce Anticoagulants and Dentistry module | • Understand the indications for, and the mechanisms of action of anti-clotting agents. • Know how to risk assess different dental procedures being considered for patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets. • Know when and when not to alter the dose/frequency of these drugs, and when to seek advice or refer to secondary care. • Know when to use additional haemorrhage control measures, and what they are. |
| What development needs have I? | Improve my knowledge of anticoagulants and antiplatelets in dentistry |
|---|---|
| How will I address them? | Take the Dentaljuce Anticoagulants and Dentistry module |
| Target completion date | |
| Outcomes | • Understand the indications for, and the mechanisms of action of anti-clotting agents. • Know how to risk assess different dental procedures being considered for patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets. • Know when and when not to alter the dose/frequency of these drugs, and when to seek advice or refer to secondary care. • Know when to use additional haemorrhage control measures, and what they are. |
| Date completed |
Module Aims and Outcomes
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The aim of the learning and teaching materials in this Dentaljuce module is to allow learners to correctly manage the dental care and treatment of patients taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Module objective
• to teach the correct management of patients taking anti-clotting medications.
Anticipated learning outcomes:
The learner will:
• Understand the indications for, and the mechanisms of action of anti-clotting agents.
• Know how to risk assess different dental procedures being considered for patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
• Know when and when not to alter the dose/frequency of these drugs, and when to seek advice or refer to secondary care.
• Know when to use additional haemorrhage control measures, and what they are.
• through achieving these outcomes, provide an improved level of service to their patients.
GDC Principles
This CPD will support the learner in meeting the following GDC principles and the underlying standards:
• P7: Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills
GDC Development Outcomes
This CPD will support the learner in meeting the following GDC Development Outcomes:
• DO C. (Clinical domain) Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice