GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy), along with related drugs like tirzepatide, are now among the most talked-about medicines in Australia. They're used for type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for weight management. That means a growing share of dental patients are taking them, and many won't think to mention it unless they're asked.
This article explains why these medicines matter for dental practices, particularly for sedation, and how to update your medical history forms and front desk processes.
This article is general information for practice owners and teams. It isn't clinical advice. Clinical decisions should follow current guidance and the treating practitioners' judgement.
Key takeaways
- GLP-1 receptor agonists, and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, are widely used for diabetes and weight management, so many dental patients may be taking them.
- They slow stomach emptying. That's relevant to sedation and general anaesthesia, because of the risk of aspiration.
- Anaesthesia and diabetes bodies in Australia and New Zealand have published periprocedural guidance for patients taking these medicines.
- Make sure your medical history forms ask about these medicines by name, including injections taken weekly.
- Flag patients booked for sedation so the treating team can plan, and never give medication advice from the front desk.
What GLP-1 medicines are
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Medicines in this group available in Australia include semaglutide, dulaglutide and liraglutide. Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Some are tablets, but many are weekly or daily injections.
Patients often think of them as "weight-loss injections" rather than medicines, and may leave them off a medication list, which is why asking specifically matters.
Why they matter for dental care
Sedation and anaesthesia
These medicines slow how quickly the stomach empties. Reports of retained stomach contents and pulmonary aspiration during sedation and anaesthesia led to a consensus clinical guide on periprocedural use, endorsed by bodies including the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), and to new warnings from the TGA. The guidance applies to procedures requiring moderate to deep sedation or anaesthesia, and recommends that patients are asked about GLP-1 use and that aspiration risk is assessed and planned for.
For practices that offer IV sedation or treatment under general anaesthesia, or that refer patients for these, identifying GLP-1 use well before the appointment is important. The treating dentist, sedationist or anaesthetist decides how to manage it, in line with current guidance.
Other things the clinical team may want to know
Depending on the patient, the dental team may also want to know about:
- Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting or reflux, which can be relevant to tooth erosion
- Diabetes management, including other medicines that affect blood sugar, which matters when patients fast or have long appointments
- Significant weight change, which can affect soft tissues and the fit of some appliances or dentures
These are clinical matters for the dentist to assess, not for the front desk to advise on.
Update your medical history form
Make it easy for patients to tell you:
- Ask directly: "Do you take any medicines for diabetes or weight management, including weekly injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity or Saxenda?"
- Include a free-text field for the name, dose and how often it's taken.
- Ask about recent changes, including starting or stopping these medicines.
- Ask returning patients to update their history before every appointment, not just once a year.
Digital forms make this easier, because they can ask follow-up questions only when a patient answers yes. See digital patient forms and online check-in.
Front desk processes for sedation appointments
- Flag sedation and GA bookings in your practice software.
- Send pre-appointment instructions written and approved by the treating team, including any medication instructions they want given.
- Check the medical history has been updated before the appointment, and alert the clinical team to any GLP-1 use.
- Allow time for the treating team to contact the patient if their plan needs to change.
- Never give medication advice at the front desk. Questions about whether to take or stop a medicine go to the clinician.
If you use an AI receptionist or chatbot, make sure it's configured to pass medication questions straight to the clinical team. See how AI receptionists handle clinical and emergency calls.
Talking to patients
Some patients feel self-conscious about weight-loss medicines. Ask about them in a matter-of-fact way, as part of a normal medication review, and explain why: "We ask because some medicines affect how we plan sedation and other treatment."
Frequently asked questions
Do patients need to stop GLP-1 medicines before dental treatment?
That's a clinical decision for the treating practitioner and, where relevant, the prescriber, based on current guidance and the type of treatment. Front desk staff shouldn't advise on it.
Does this matter for routine check-ups?
The main periprocedural guidance relates to sedation and anaesthesia. For routine care, it's still useful for the dentist to know a patient's full medication list.
How do we keep medical histories up to date?
Ask returning patients to confirm or update their history before each visit, ideally with a short digital form sent with their reminder.
Next steps
Review your medical history form this week and add a specific question about diabetes and weight-loss medicines. Then check your sedation booking process. For reminders that carry form links automatically, see the ideal reminder schedule, or book a demo of IntelliDent.