Dentists play a crucial role in maintaining patients' overall health, and having access to their medical records is essential for providing comprehensive care. Medical records contain valuable information about a patient's medical history, allergies, current medications, and previous treatments. By accessing these records, dentists can gain a more complete understanding of their patients' health status and make more informed decisions about their dental care.
One of the primary benefits of dentists having access to medical records is that it allows them to identify and manage potential risks. For example, if a patient has a history of heart disease, the dentist may need to adjust the type of anesthesia used during dental procedures. Additionally, if a patient is taking medications that could interact with dental medications, the dentist can take steps to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.