Vital signs--the six-minute warnings.

The six classic vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, height, and weight) are reviewed on an historical basis and on their current use in dentistry. Normal and abnormal vital signs are explored in depth, with special attention to those conditions which can be readily recognized by the dental practitioner and with special attention to safe management of the patient in each instance. Measurement of blood pressure at the initial physical evaluation of the adult dental patient is approaching a standard of care status. A plea is made for expanding this practice and adding additional vital signs to usual office measurements. An efficient routine by which the dental assistant can measure and record the six vital signs in from three to six minutes is reviewed, and the frequency of vital sign measurement is explored.