CDA Essentials 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 4

23 Issue 4 | 2018 | N ews and E vents The goal of this campaign is to open a conver- sation between clinicians and patients about unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures. As part of the campaign, a list of recommenda- tions titled "8 Things Dentists and Patients Should Question" was released in April (see sidebar). These recommendations provide a starting point for thinking about how dentists and the profession can collectively tackle the issue of unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures in dental practices. “CWC recommendations across all specialties are crafted to be simple, straightforward and support- ed by strong evidence,” says Dr. Susan Sutherland, CAHD president. “They address procedures or tests that are used frequently but may expose patients to harm or contribute to avoidable burden to patients or the health care system.” The recommendations were developed by a working group of dentists composed of those with hospital-based and private practice experience, as well as diversity in gender, region and years in practice. An initial list of 25 recommendations was reduced by consensus of the working group and sent to all CAHD members and 14 dental organizations and specialty groups for feedback. The final list was reviewed by the working group and endorsed by the CAHD Board. “CWC inspires and engages health care professionals to take leadership in health care by providing simple tools and resources to make it easier to make wise choices,” adds Dr. Sutherland. “Working with CWC was a great experience for members of the CAHD working group. We hope that other dental groups and specialties will consider developing a list that is specific to their domain and the patients they treat.” Choosing Wisely Canada has compiled over 300 recommendations from nearly 50 medical specialty societies, along with national associations and societies representing pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals. The campaign was launched in 2014 in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. a Learn more at: choosingwisely canada.org 8Things Dentists and Patients Should Question The CAHD finalized these recommenda- tions for the Choosing Wisely Canada campaign. 1. Don’t use opioids for post-operative dental pain until optimized dose of NSAID/Acetaminophen has been used. 2. Don’t prescribe antibiotics for irreversible pulpitis (toothache). 3. Don’t routinely prescribe antibiotics for acute dental abscess without signs of systemic involvement. 4. Don’t give prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures to patients with total joint replacement. 5. Don’t give prophylactic antibiotics to patients with non-valvular cardiac or other indwelling devices. 6. Don’t prescribe radiographs without indication. 7. Don’t replace fillings just because they are old. 8. Don’t remove dental amalgams unless the restoration has failed. The Canadian Association of Hospital Dentists (CAHD) has joined its clinician colleagues from coast to coast to coast in the Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) campaign. Hospital Dentists Make Recommendations to Help Practitioners ChooseWisely