[Dental care of patients with organ transplants or prosthetic joints--a survey of specialty hospitals].

The aim of the investigation was to collect information from specialized hospitals regarding dental care before and after organ transplantation or replacement of prosthetic joints. 50 transplantation centres and 100 orthopaedic hospitals in Germany were chosen. A questionnaire was used to elucidate the following aspects: Is a dental examination carried out preoperatively? When the patient is discharged, is he or she recommended to have antibiotic prophylaxis before dental treatment? If so, which antibiotic is recommended? The response rate was 56% (n = 28) for transplantation centres.