Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XVII · Patient Management and Special Needs · 08

ASA classification

The ASA physical status scale runs from I (healthy) to VI (brain-dead organ donor). Well-controlled diabetes, smoking or pregnancy is ASA II; poorly controlled disease or COPD is III; a heart attack or stroke within 3 months is IV. In the dental office, I-II get routine care, III needs changes or a medical consult, and IV gets emergency care only.

High-yield facts · 4

  1. ASA I: normal healthy. ASA II: mild systemic disease. ASA III: severe systemic disease. ASA IV: severe disease that is a constant threat to life. ASA V: moribund. ASA VI: brain-dead donor.S29
  2. ASA II examples: well-controlled diabetes or hypertension, current smoker, pregnancy, mild lung disease, BMI 30-40.S29
  3. ASA III examples: poorly controlled diabetes or hypertension, COPD, morbid obesity (BMI 40 or more), MI or stroke more than 3 months ago.S29
  4. ASA IV examples: MI, stroke or stent within 3 months, ongoing cardiac ischemia, severe valve dysfunction.S29

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.