Half of dentists say patients are high at dental appointments

Over half the dentists have reported their patients arriving high on marijuana for their appointments.

The American Dental Association (ADA) reported that 52 per cent of dentists polled had noted their patients were under the influence of the substance when attending their check-ups.

The survey found that 56 per cent of dentists had to limit the care for patients as a result because of how marijuana and anaesthesia impact the central nervous system. Some 46 per cent of dentists reported sometimes needing to increase anaesthesia to treat patients under the influence.

Marijuana can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia and hyperactivity, which the ADA said could make a dentist’s visit more stressful. It can also increase the heart rate and increases the risk of using local anaesthetics for pain control.

Dr Tricia Quartey from the ADA said: “Smoking marijuana is associated with gum disease and dry mouth, which can lead to many oral health issues. “It also puts smokers at an increased risk of mouth and neck cancers.”

She also said it was important patients were not under the influence when receiving medical care, adding: “The best treatment options are always ones a dentist and patient decide on together. A clear head is essential for that.”

The survey findings consisted of two online surveys, one of 557 dentists and a second nationally representative survey of 1,006 patients.

Recreational marijuana use is legal in 19 states and the District of Columbia, with five more states voting on ballot measures on 8 November. Medicinal use is legal in 37 states and the District of Columbia.

Dr Quartey added: “When talking through health histories, more patients tell me they use marijuana regularly because it is now legal.” She added: “Unfortunately, sometimes having marijuana in your system results in needing an additional visit.”

In the UK, the NHS is facing a major dentistry backlog and is not accepting any new patients due to the Covid pandemic. An investigation by the BBC found that 90 per cent of practices are not taking on new adult patients, while 80 per cent are not taking on child patients.