At what HbA1c level can dental treatment proceed without physician consultation?

Dental treatment can generally proceed without the need for physician consultation when a patient's HbA1c level is less than 7%. This level indicates that the patient's blood sugar levels have been well-controlled over the previous two to three months. Maintaining an HbA1c level below this threshold is crucial because it reflects an overall better management of diabetes, reducing the risk of perioperative complications and ensuring that the patient is more stable and less likely to experience adverse effects during dental procedures.

In contrast, levels at or above 7% indicate a higher risk for complications, particularly in regards to wound healing and susceptibility to infections, which can affect dental treatment outcomes. Thus, while levels below 6% represent optimal control, the threshold for proceeding with dental care without consulting a physician is appropriately set at below 7% to balance patient safety with the need for care.