For the patient with suspected Addison's disease, what should you do before dental treatment?

Correct answer: D. Consult with the physician before proceeding

• A. Addison's disease is manageable — dental treatment can proceed safely after medical consultation and appropriate precautions.
• B. Addison's patients are at risk for adrenal crisis during stressful procedures. Normal treatment without modifications is potentially life-threatening.
• C. While steroid supplementation IS used for Addison's patients, this should ONLY be done in consultation with the treating physician — the dentist should not prescribe this independently.
• D. The correct first step is to consult with the patient's endocrinologist/primary physician. They will advise on whether steroid supplementation ('steroid cover') is needed, the appropriate dose, and whether the procedure can safely proceed. Addison's patients need careful stress management to prevent adrenal crisis.