Foreword

Management of Dental Patients Taking Anticoagulants or Antiplatelet Drugs aims to encourage a consistent approach to the management of dental treatment for patients who are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Through the clinical practice advice provided, the guidance also endeavours to empower dental staff to treat this patient group within primary care thereby minimising the need for consultation and referral to secondary care.

The guidance aims to support the dental team to:

• assess bleeding risk and plan treatment
• manage dental treatment for patients taking the various types of medication including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), warfarin or other vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), injectable anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs

The site includes the main elements of the second edition of the SDCEP Management of Dental Patients Taking Anticoagulants or Antiplatelet Drugs guidance, along with supporting tools including summary flowcharts.

The second edition of the guidance includes the newer DOAC edoxaban and expanded advice about the low molecular weight heparins. It is based on current evidence and has been updated using SDCEP’s NICE accredited methodology.

For a full appreciation of the recommendations in this site, and further advice on following them, refer to the full guidance available via the SDCEP website.