All dentists would like to avoid the problems associated with managing dental office medical emergencies. As practitioners, we cannot be certain that these situations will not occur. It is hoped that with preparation, most if not all dental office emergencies can be avoided. The best management of medical problems is always prevention. This text seeks to provide information to the practicing dentist and dental office personnel, so that prevention and management of office emergencies are an integral part of the normal operational knowledge base. The philosophy of this handbook is:

P reparedness of dental office personnel to take on the role of the first responder

R ecognition of predisposing history/presenting signs and symptoms of an emergency

A ction to stabilize, using basic life support techniques, and/or treat the patient

Y ell for help by activating the Emergency Medical System (EMS) when necessary

The American Dental Association’s publication on dental therapeutics describes the incidence of medical emergencies in the dental office.

Most of the problems that the dentist encounters are not life-threatening, but any emergency can become serious if not properly managed.

If the dentist and dental office personnel can identify the signs and symptoms of a developing potential office emergency, many emergencies can be aborted and treated within the dental office.

Occasionally, life-threatening office emergencies occur and it is incumbent upon the dentist to be well prepared, to not only evaluate, but to act to stabilize, activate EMS, and manage/refer these patients to an appropriate medical facility for more definitive emergency care.

It is the premise of this text that the dentist should be able to identify a developing problem and determine the need for assistance from emergency medical personnel. During that brief but vital time period, stabilization procedures are always the most appropriate care. This text is designed to assist in establishing basic office protocols for stabilization of any such patient. If the office is properly prepared, this book would not be needed during the actual emergency, but the protocols will have been committed to memory and it will be available should memory fail, and a quick reference is needed. Often, stabilization of the patient results in appropriate and adequate treatment, eliminating the patient’s need to be transported to a medical facility. Having a sound knowledge base, the dentist can make this determination.