Management of the American Heart Association's guidelines for orthodontic treatment of patients at risk for infective endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION

For over 50 years, the American Heart Association has made recommendations for the prevention of infective endocarditis. The first guidelines were published in 1955; since then, they have been updated 9 times, most recently in 2007. There is still confusion about which orthodontic procedures are most prone to generate bacteremias and lead to infective endocarditis in susceptible patients. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey to determine orthodontists' knowledge, attitudes, and in-office behaviors regarding the American Heart Association's guidelines.

METHODS

A 4-page online survey consisting of 3 sections was sent to members of the American Association of Orthodontists by using a random number generator. The first section consisted of demographic information, the second consisted of questions about the respondents' practice characteristics, and the third included questions about the respondents' knowledge and management of the treatment of patients at risk for infective endocarditis. There were 78 responses.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontists are screening for cardiac problems in the patient's medical history but to a lesser extent are requesting written medical clearance from the patient's physician before starting orthodontic treatment. Many of the orthodontists surveyed believed that their knowledge of the American Heart Association's guidelines and management of high-risk patients was in the good-to-excellent range. Orthodontists recommend antibiotic prophylaxis most frequently during band placement and removal. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis are somewhat likely to inquire about possible treatment sequelae associated with previous cardiac problems.