The availability of a current medical history is essential before undertaking dental treatment and helps insure the safe and effective management of the patient.&nbsp\; The increasing complexity of health care itself, patients living longer with chronic diseases, and the expanding numbers of available medications, contribute to the importance of having an up-to-date medical history and the challenge of obtaining one.&nbsp\; The seventh edition of this Guide takes a comprehensive approach to the topic and provides guidance in obtaining appropriate medical consultation. It also discusses prescription drugs and natural products that relate to oral health and/or complicate patient management.&nbsp\; Language barriers confronted during the obtainment of information are addressed with the introduction of a multi-language health history questionnaire.&nbsp\; Appended to the Guide are forms that the practitioner can duplicate for use in their office.&nbsp\; Regardless of who in the dental practice is responsible for obtaining the initial history or making sure health information is current, this Guide should facilitate completing this important aspect of patient care.