Medical emergencies in primary dental practice

Abstract

Background: Medical emergencies can and do present in primary care dental practices. Approximately 60% of dentists experience at least one emergency a year. This article was prompted by several recent interactions; one being an anaphylaxis where the responding paramedics were unfamiliar with dental therapists and, most recently, where first responders were unfamiliar with the availability of oxygen within a primary dental practice. Aims: This article aims to enhance paramedics’ knowledge of dental team members that may be present, their scope of practice, what qualifications they may have, what equipment is available, what drugs can be administered and the most frequently presenting medical emergencies. Methods: This article reviews and consolidates medical emergency guidance and regulations for primary dental practice. Findings: There is limited guidance concerning what drugs dental care professionals can and cannot administer during a medical emergency. Going forward, additional guidance from regulators is needed. Conclusion: Responding emergency services need to be aware of all dental professionals they may encounter as well as their qualifications and limitations to ensure patients receive gold standard care.