New App Provides Real-Time Access to Patients’ Medical Histories
Dentists can now instantly access patients’ current medical conditions and medications with a new app. It may help streamline care, reduce risk, and boost treatment success in the dental operatory.
A new app developed at the IU Indianapolis School of Dentistry in collaboration with the Regenstrief Institute is changing the game for dental care by giving dentists real-time access to their patients’ medical histories. Traditionally, dental teams rely on patients to recall and report complex medical details at each visit, a process that’s not only inefficient but can increase clinical risk.
Now, through integration with health information exchanges, this app connects dental professionals directly to updated medical and medication records. The result is faster, safer, and more informed care, especially critical when underlying conditions, drug interactions, or allergies could impact dental procedures.
Designed for use in any practice setting — from solo providers to group practices — the app enhances communication between medical and dental teams while eliminating the need for patients to start from scratch at every appointment. Backed by National Institutes of Health funding, the developers are currently seeking pilot sites to bring this innovation into dental clinics. Click here to read more.
