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Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Special Information Section for Health-Care Providers 
Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Information
Health Canada's reports of suspected adverse reactions to health products from consumers, health-care professionals and product manufacturers.
IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICES
June 11, 2009
• H1N1 Influenza Pandemic Alert Raised to Phase 6
June 4, 2009
• H1N1 Flu Virus Update
May 19, 2009
May 4, 2009
May 3, 2009
April 30, 2009
- Swine Influenza Update
- Guidance for Clinical Care of Patients: Ambulatory Setting
- Screening Tool for Influenza-like Illness in Ambulatory Care
April 28, 2009
- Swine Influenza Update
- Screening Tool for Influenza-like Illness in the Emergency Department
- Clinical Guidelines for Management of Patients with ILI in Emergency Departments
- Clinical Guidelines for Management of Patients with ILI in Ambulatory Settings
April 26, 2009
April 23, 2009
Clusters of Severe Respiratory Illness in Mexico
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Public Health Agency of Canada released documents regarding a number of individuals with severe respiratory illness (SRI) occurring in south and central Mexico. Although many Canadians travel to Mexico, there are no confirmed cases in Canada at this time. However, since the outbreak is believed to be droplet born, this is a concern to the dental community. Further notices will likely be posted as the outbreak develops.
Questions and Answers – Mexican Severe Respiratory Illnesses
November 2008
Prevention of Infective Endocarditis
The College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario have issued a common statement to advise their members to be aware of the new American Heart Association guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis that include substantial changes.
Summer 2008
Use of Botox in Dentistry
The College reminds dentists that the use of Botox in dentistry in Ontario is limited to certain temporomandibular disorders. Ontario dentists are not permitted to inject Botox, or any other agent, into the extra-oral or facial tissues for cosmetic purposes.
June 23, 2008
Important Safety Information on CHAMPIX
On June 20, 2008, Health Canada posted new safety information regarding Champix (varenicline tartrate), a smoking cessation drug. There have been post-marketing reports of serious neuropsychiatric adverse events, as well as worsening of pre-existing psychiatric illness, whether previously diagnosed or not.
The College reminds dentists that while the prescription of smoking cessation drugs such as Champix are well within the scope of practice of dentistry, before prescribing such drugs, dentists should have taken appropriate continuing education in smoking cessation therapies, including pharmacological methods. Click here for the College’s advice on the role of dentists in smoking cessation programs.
May 8, 2008
Surveillance Alert: Measles Continue to Circulate in the Greater Toronto Area
December 21, 2007
Recall of NULTIVA® (remifentanil hydrochloride) 1 mg vials due to potential for overdose
November 2007
NACI Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2007–2008 Season
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that health-care providers potentially capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications receive influenza vaccine. NACI also issued an addendum. Click here for the addendum.
In health-care settings, hand hygiene is the single most important way to prevent infections and can help to prevent the spread of influenza. Click here for the Hand Hygiene Fact Sheet from the Provincial Infections Diseases Advisory Committee.
May 2007
Prevention of Infective Endocarditis
The American Dental Association released on April 19 new guidelines about the use of certain antibiotics shortly before dental treatment that significantly change the current advice.
Click here for details.
These changes are now reflected in the online version of the Medical History Recordkeeping Guide.
Click here for details.
April 2007
Dental Management of Patients Receiving Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy An expert panel selected by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has released recommendations on managing the care of patients receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy, after an extensive literature review. These recommendations can be found on the ADA website at www.ada.org under A-Z Professional Topics for Dental Professionals by clicking on Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.
November 24, 2006
Health Canada Issues Advisory on Benzocaine
On Friday, November 24, Health Canada released an advisory on the use of topical anaesthetic benzocaine. Due to the widespread use of benzocaine in topical anaesthetics in dental practices, the College recommends members review and consider this advisory when making decisions about topical anaesthetics in their practice.
March 2006
Best Practices for Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization In All Health Care Settings
Released in March 2006, this document contains advice from the Ministry of Health’s Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee about the safe handling, transportation and biological decontamination of contaminated medical equipment/devices. Providing the members with information to assist them in decision-making is part of our mandate. Members are urged to consult with and follow the College’s Guidelines on infection control in the dental office.