August 27, 2010

Lecture Course
Dentistry and the Aging Population

SARAH J. DIRKS, D.D.S.

OVERVIEW
Treating the elderly can be intimidating because it often requires the general dentist to manage complex medical and dental problems in an atmosphere of uncertainty. This course explores practical approaches that will assist you in the successful management of dental patients with chronic medical conditions. Dr. Dirks will discuss basic risk assessment strategies needed to safely provide dental care. Learn how to integrate nursing facility patients into your existing practice.

OBJECTIVES
• General principles of risk assessment
• Determining when physician input is warranted
• What is “medically necessary” dental care?
• Antibiotic prophylaxis & management of patients in the “grey areas”
• Managing patients on anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies
• Risk stratification and cardiac patients
• The must have “geriatric tools of the trade”
• Aspiration risk and the elderly

PRESENTER
SARAH J. DIRKS, D.D.S., received her dental degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1988. She has a full-time practice in Geriatric Dentistry with an emphasis on medically compromised elderly patients. She completed fellowship training in Geriatrics and served as Clinical Director of the UTHSCSA Geriatric Dental Clinic prior to going into private practice. Dr. Dirks has patients from over thirty nursing facilities in South Texas. Her patient base is primarily from referring physicians and associated adjunct medical care providers.

TIME
Check-in & Breakfast: D.S. Cafeteria, 8:00 AM
Program: Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

LOCATION
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dental School

TUITION
Dentist: $210.00
Allied Dental Personnel: $160.00

CREDIT (Course Code: 128929A)
AGD Code: 752 Hours: 7

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