As advances in medical diagnostic and treatment modalities continue to increase the life expectancy of the population, the likelihood of encountering patients in dental practice with concomitant medical problems will also rise. Thus it will become increasingly important for practicing dentists to take thorough medical histories, recognize signs of systemic disorders, and work closely with their medical colleagues to ensure that safe dental care is rendered to these medically complex patients. Although acutely ill or severely compromised individuals may be best treated in a hospital setting by those with special training, all dental practitioners should possess the diagnostic and communicative skills needed to manage those who are receiving out-patient medical care.