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Controlled Diabetes Dental Management — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyHuman DiseaseControlled Diabetes Dental ManagementMFDS Part 1

A clinically well adult with type 2 diabetes has a recent HbA1c of 50 mmol/mol. They require an uncomplicated dental extraction under local anaesthesia in primary care and will not be fasting. Which is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Proceed after the usual meal and diabetes medication, with routine readiness to manage hypoglycaemia

The correct answer is E. Well-controlled diabetes does not, by itself, require hospital referral, treatment deferral or antibiotic prophylaxis for an uncomplicated extraction under local anaesthesia. The patient should avoid missing or delaying meals and should generally take their usual diabetes medication when eating normally. The dental team must retain routine preparedness to recognise and treat hypoglycaemia, particularly if the patient uses insulin or a sulfonylurea. Poorly controlled diabetes, significant complications, systemic illness, fasting, sedation or general anaesthesia would require additional assessment and may alter the setting or medication plan. Stopping all medication risks hyperglycaemia, while antibiotics should be prescribed only for a separate recognised clinical indication—not simply because diabetes is present.

Reference: NHS England, Oral surgery clinical standard, sections 1.4 and 1.4.1, 2023. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/oral-surgery-clinical-standard/