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Oral and dental health, as well as dental services, are important to general practice patients and need to be better integrated into general practitioners' thinking and practice.
Professional
The two professions have evolved with different social drivers and scientific underpinnings, with only a recent appreciation of the connections between the health of the mouth and the body.
Clinical
A systematic approach to viewing the radiograph should be used, and an understanding of the anatomy of the area is needed to fully assess the image.
Some of the issues with which patients present to their primary healthcare provider may be resolved using skills and techniques of maxillofacial surgery.
Once infection spreads beyond the confines of the jaws, there is an increasing risk of airway obstruction and septicaemia.
The most commonly encountered mucosal surface lesions are those of an epithelial break (ulcer) or an alteration in thickness, texture or colour (white, red or pigmented lesion).
The most commonly encountered swellings in the oral cavity are either submucosal in nature, or involve swelling of the underlying jaw (maxilla or mandible).
Editorial
Oral and dental health, as well as dental services, are important to our patients and need to be better integrated into our own thinking and practice.
Economic drivers have changed the way in which patients seek attention for oral and facial conditions.
The three priorities in advanced care for osteoarthritis include surgical decision making, referral for evidence-informed non-surgical alternatives and surgical services.
Case Study
A woman aged 26 years was referred to interventional radiology for removal of an impalpable contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT) device.
Current advancements in rapid recovery following total knee replacement surgery relate to early mobilisation, exercise therapy, length of stay and discharge destination.
Stepwise treatment for overactive bladder seeks to improve patient quality of life and reduce patient and health system costs.
Research
Increasing the numbers of people with hepatitis B being tested, regularly monitored and treated in primary care settings will require additional systems-strengthening activity.
General practice terms diversify the prevocational experiences of interns and help consolidate rural career pathways.
Technology is increasingly encroaching into the doctor–patient consultation space, moving beyond the relatively straightforward applications in medical records.
Clinical challenge
This clinical challenge is based on this month’s Focus articles. To complete this activity, go to the RACGP website.