Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to do the following:

1. Describe why it’s important to have a dental office emergency plan.
2. Identify what types of emergency training are important for dental office staff.
3. Identify ways in which dental office staff can prepare for medical emergencies
4. Identify the steps involved in taking a good health history.
5. Identify some ways to help alleviate patient anxiety.
6. Identify some of the symptoms that may indicate an impending emergency.
7. Identify some components in a dental office emergency kit.
8. Discuss the importance of recordkeeping in the event of a dental office emergency.
9. Describe some of the legal aspects of dental office emergencies.
   

The entire dental office team must be prepared to handle medical emergencies. Every dental office must have an emergency plan that outlines the steps it takes in the event of an emergency. Emergencies can range from the anxious patient who faints to drug interactions. Some members of the dental staff and the dentist should have two types of training: a basic first aid course, and annual training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are several steps an office can take to prepare for emergencies. Taking a detailed health history on the first office visit and updating it at each appointment is an essential step in preparing for emergencies. There are many medical problems that may alter dental treatment. This course covers the most common types of emergencies seen in the dental office, from fainting to a heart attack. Tips for handling anxious patients are offered. Symptoms that may indicate an impending emergency are listed as well. The components of a dental office emergency kit are listed, as well as sample emergency drugs and sample emergency scenarios. The importance of recordkeeping and emergency treatment is discussed, as well as legal aspects of dental office emergencies.

1. Introduction
2. The Dental Office Emergency Plan
3. Emergency Training for the Dental Staff
4. Preparation for Emergencies
5. Take a Good Health History
6. Types of Emergencies in the Dental Office
7. Anxiety Reduction
8. Emergency Procedures
9. Dental Office Emergency Kit
10. Emergency Treatment and Recordkeeping
11. Legal Aspects of Dental Office Emergencies
    

1. Protzman S, Clark J. The dental assistant’s management of medical emergencies. Chicago: American Dental Assistants Association; 1995.