Treating a patient who may be under the influence
Good morning Crowns, I am looking for suggestions on how to handle a situation with a very good long time patient of this practice. The patient is scheduled for 2 hour periodontal appointment this morning at 8:00 AM. He arrived about 10 minutes late. When the hygienist seated him and started talking with him she noticed he was having a hard time staying 100% alert and was slurring his words a bit. The patient also came into the office yesterday (thinking his appointment was yesterday) and the front desk team member noticed a slight smell of alcohol (this was also at 8:00 AM). When the hygienist asked if he was feeling OK he told her that he took a dose of cough syrup before his appointment this morning. We do not want to offend our patient but want to keep his best interests in mind. Have you been in a similar situation? How did you handle it? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Valerie Becker, Practice Manager
Nokesville Family Dentistry
Lauren M. Simon, DDS
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