Preparing for Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office

A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Dr. Anthony Feck

Abstract

A Medical Emergency is the unexpected guest during our busy appointment schedules. Whether or not the office has prepared for this emergency before it happens generally decides how it will turn out. It is extremely important that every member of the dental team understands and is able to perform their role when the time comes. The team must thoroughly trained and adequately equipped to treat all medical emergencies as they arise. This article will describe the commonly encountered medical emergencies, the procedures associated with the occurrence of medical emergencies, and the timing of the occurrences. The article will stress the right tools (products and equipment), the right training and practice to deal with everyday medical emergencies. Statistics tell us that medical emergencies are 5.8 times more likely to occur in dental offices than in medical offices. This should not come as a surprise, given the number of patients dentists treat who have significant medical conditions that are not under good control, with invasive procedures complicated by a stressful environment where drugs are administered.

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