First Choosing Wisely Canada list for Dental Professionals Released!

Apr 18, 2018 - News

Canadian Association of Hospital Dentists released 8 new recommendations of tests, treatments or procedures to question in hospital dentistry.

First Choosing Wisely Canada list for Dental Professionals Released!

Apr 18, 2018 - News

Canadian Association of Hospital Dentists released 8 new recommendations of tests, treatments or procedures to question in hospital dentistry.

On April 18 2018, the Canadian Association of Hospital Dentists announced the release of eight new recommendations of tests, treatments or procedures to question in hospital dentistry. This is the first Choosing Wisely Canada list for dental professionals in Canada.

The eight new recommendations include:

  • Don’t use opioids for post-operative dental pain until optimized dose of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)/Acetaminophen has been used.
  • Don’t prescribe antibiotics for irreversible pulpitis (toothache).
  • Don’t routinely prescribe antibiotics for acute dental abscess without signs of systemic involvement.
  • Don’t give prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures to patients with total joint replacement.
  • Don’t give prophylactic antibiotics to patients with non-valvular cardiac or other indwelling devices.
  • Don’t prescribe radiographs without indication.
  • Don’t replace fillings just because they are old.
  • Don’t remove mercury-containing dental fillings unless the restoration has failed.

This partnership is another example of clinician groups joining Choosing Wisely to engage in conversations about unnecessary tests and treatment and make smart and effective care choices. Choosing Wisely Canada is excited to continue to expand its efforts to collaborate with health professional groups who are focused on reducing overuse and providing appropriate patient care.

See Eight Things Dentists and Patients Should Question to view the full list, including a rationale and references for each recommendation.

We encourage you to share broadly and thank you for your continued engagement in the Choosing Wisely Canada campaign!