The patient's greatest hazard.

To reduce the patient's hazard in the dental office, the dentist must take a medical history, perform a limited medical examination, order and interpret laboratory tests when indicated, initiate medical consultation when necessary, and evaluate the data obtained in order to make appropriate treatment modifications for high risk patients. The current status of health which our population enjoys must not be confused with a status of robustness. An apparently well patient may be in great jeopardy while you are delivering the most skillful dental care unless adequate precautions are taken.