Dental assessment :: Specialist Dental Group

Dental assessment

Getting to know Specialist Dental Group
The Importance of Dental Assessments

Getting to know Specialist Dental Group

A Tradition of Excellence

Specialist Dental Group™ has been established at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore since 1979 and celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year. The Group is one of the largest multi-specialty dental clinics in Singapore and has nine treatment rooms in two clinics served by a team of seven leading dental specialists.

“Not many dental practices in Singapore have the distinction of being around for such a long time,” says Dr Neo Tee Khin, Managing Partner of Specialist Dental Group™. The late Dr. Henry Lee, founder of the clinic, was a well established oral surgeon who placed the first titanium dental implants in Singapore more than 20 years ago. This strong foundation in dental implants has continued today with Specialist Dental Group™ being one of the leading dental implant providers in Singapore.

According to Dr Ansgar C Cheng, Co-Managing Partner of the Group, the clinic was renamed Specialist Dental Group™ in 2008 to reflect the breadth and depth of the comprehensive dental solutions under one roof provided by its internationally trained/ qualified multi-specialty team.

The clinical team at Specialist Dental Group™ includes dentists with specialty training in prosthodontics (teeth replacement), periodontics (gum treatment), orthodontics (braces) and oral & maxillofacial surgery. Signature dental solutions include Teeth-in-an-Hour implants, Instant Implants™, conventional dental implants, Invisalign®, braces, oral surgery, gum treatment and crowns.

“The idea of a multi-specialty practice arose due to the higher demand and expectation of our patients. Having all our specialists in one place improves communication among them resulting in an excellent standard of care and convenience for our patients,” adds Dr. Neo. Patients benefit with reduced waiting times and can access dentists from different specialty areas with one appointment.

Another convenience is that due to the location of the clinic in a premier medical centre, patients can also schedule their medical and dental visits on the same day in the same building, minimizing the need to take extra time off their busy schedules.

The dental team at Specialist Dental Group™ is also experienced in treating patients with medical conditions such as cancer, stroke, diabetes and heart problems. One of the services offered to patients prior to undergoing cancer treatment (e.g., radiation or chemotherapy) or a major medical procedure (e.g. organ transplantation or heart surgery) is a Dental Assessment. Dental Assessments minimize the risk of oral complications developing in the middle of cancer treatment or post-surgery as a result of a pre-existing dental condition such as an infected tooth or gum disease. The significant cost savings and avoidance of physical and emotional trauma are some of the benefits of having a dental assessment.

Contribution to the Professional Community and to Public Awareness

Most of the dentists at Specialist Dental Group™ have taught or are currently teaching at the National University of Singapore and other international universities. They are also active contributors to international scientific journals and sit on the editorial boards of such publications. As opinion leaders in their respective specialty areas, they are regularly invited to speak at local and international dental conferences.

On the public awareness front, the dental team at Specialist Dental Group™ is passionate about educating the public about oral health, innovations in dentistry and the connection between good oral health and a healthy body. In conjunction with the 30^th anniversary of Specialist Dental Group™’ this year, the clinic organized a public seminar with Channel NewsAsia – Putting the Sparkle Back Into Your Smile – A Dental Seminar that Bridges Function & Aesthetics, which was very well received with an audience of almost 600 people attending to learn more about oral health.

Getting Connected

In addition to the comprehensive information on dental procedures on the Specialist Dental Group™ website, patients are also able to make appointment bookings and enquiries as well as view videos. Specialist Dental Group™ also has a Blog, Facebook Fan Page and a Twitter account in order to be more accessible to patients.

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The Importance of Dental Assessments

This post on dental assessments is especially useful for those who are about to undergo cancer treatment (radiation or chemotherapy) or a major surgical procedure (e.g. organ transplantation, heart bypass, etc).

There is increasingly more research suporting the link between oral health and overall health. In the situation where the body’s immune system is down, it is even more important to be aware of how to avoid oral complications in the middle of treatment or post-surgery.

Oral Complications

Oral complications are present in:
(1) Almost all patients receiving radiation for head and neck cancer;
(2) Up to 75% of blood and marrow transplant recipients; and
(3) Nearly 40% of patients receiving chemotherapy.

Effects of Oral Complications

The effects of oral complications on the patient include:
(1) Seriously compromising the patient’s health and quality of life;
(2) Affecting the patient’s ability to complete the course of treatment;
(3) Resulting in tolerance of a lower and less effective dose of therapy;
(4) Postponing scheduled treatments;
(5) Stopping treatment; and
(6) Developing potentially life threatening systemic infections.

Thus, oral care before, during and after cancer treatment is critical in the prevention or reduction of the incidence and severity of oral complications, with the net result that patient survival and quality of life are enhanced.

Here is how the dental specialist team can work together with the medical team in these special cases:

I. Pre-Treatment Dental Assessment

Sending cancer patients for a pre-treatment dental assessment prior to undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy:
(1) Reduces the risk and severity of dental complications developing during the course of treatment;
(2) Allows early detection and treatment of existing infections and other problems;
(3) Increases the likelihood that the patient will successfully complete the treatment;
(4) Minimizes oral infections that could lead to potentially fatal systemic infections;
(5) Prevents or reduces later incidence of bone necrosis;
(6) Prevents, eliminates or reduces oral pain;
(7) Improves the quality of life; and
(8) Decreases the cost of care.

A dental assessment enables the identification and treatment of problems such as infection, fractured teeth or restorations, and gum disease that could worsen oral complications once cancer therapy is started. Baseline data can also be established in order to compare the patient’s status in subsequent examinations.

The identification of any pressing dental treatment needs, including gum swelling, loose or decayed teeth, and any other lesions in the oral cavity would indicate dental treatment should be provided before the patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

II. On-going Dental Treatment Needs

Continued follow-up by the dental specialist is important during the course of cancer treatment to prevent, detect, and treat oral complications in a timely manner.

For more information on Dental Assessments, please click here.

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