Appropriate prescribing of dental prophylaxis in patients with orthopedic implants

Steinhour, Amy MMS, PA-C; Hodder, Jeremy DHSc, MSc, PG Dip Law, BScN (Hons), CPHRM, RN

Author Information

Amy Steinhour is clinical director of the PA program at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Fla., and a doctoral student at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Mo. Jeremy Hodder is an adjunct faculty member at A.T. Still University and supervisor of risk management services at the Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona in Phoenix, Ariz. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Roy A. Borchardt, PA-C, PhD; Michael D. Overcash, MPAS, PA-C; Jennifer M. Coombs, PhD, PA-C; Brian K. Yorkgitis, PA-C, DO; and Ellen D. Mandel, DMH, MPA, MS, PA-C, department editors

Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants 33(10):p 50-52, October 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000660180.96512.70

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Abstract

Total joint arthroplasty frequently is performed in the United States to treat degenerative hip and knee arthritis. Despite the routine nature of this procedure, recommendations about dental prophylaxis in patients with prosthetic joints have varied considerably over the past decade. In 2016, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) published appropriate use criteria for dental prophylaxis in patients with orthopedic implants. Despite these recommendations, discrepancies in prescribing practices persist, and controversy surrounding this topic remains prevalent in the medical literature. This article reviews the AAOS appropriate use criteria and discusses the ongoing controversy about the use of dental prophylaxis in patients with orthopedic implants.