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Medical Emergencies · single question

What is the best management approach when a dental patient is suspected of having undiagnosed or poorly managed Addison's disease?

  1. Refer to a physician (endocrinologist) for proper diagnostic workup and corticosteroid replacement management, rather than attempting to manage or diagnose this in the dental office
  2. Start the patient on corticosteroids directly in the dental office without further workup
  3. Reassure the patient and proceed with elective dental treatment as planned
  4. No referral is necessary
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Correct answer: A. Refer to a physician (endocrinologist) for proper diagnostic workup and corticosteroid replacement management, rather than attempting to manage or diagnose this in the dental office

A dentist encountering signs/symptoms suggestive of Addison's disease (or any suspected significant endocrine disorder) should refer the patient to a physician for proper diagnostic confirmation and appropriate management (which, once confirmed, includes corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy) — initiating corticosteroids without confirmed diagnosis and medical oversight is outside the scope of dental practice and could be harmful.

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