Policy Statement 6.25 - Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice

Position Summary

Dentists should ensure that the Dental Team’s skills in managing medical emergencies remain current. Practices should have a written protocol for responding to medical emergencies.

1. Background

1.1. Dentists have to manage a variety of medical emergencies in the course of dental practice. They have been educated and trained to deal with the range of situations that may arise.

1.2. Assessment and mitigation of risk and prior preparation enhance the management of medical emergencies.

1.3. The management of emergencies and the techniques for resuscitation change from time to time. Safe and competent management of medical emergencies requires dentists and dental practice staff to maintain their competence to deal with these situations.

Definitions

1.4. BOARD is the Dental Board of Australia.

1.5. DENTAL PRACTICE STAFF are all personnel working in a dental practice.

1.6. DENTIST is an appropriately qualified dental care provider, registered by the Board to practise all areas of dentistry.

1.7. MEDICAL EMERGENCY is where the health status of an individual deteriorates unexpectedly.

2. Position

2.1. Dentists should ensure that the Dental Team’s skills in managing medical emergencies remain current. Regular "hands on" training is recommended for dentists and their staff.

2.2. Dental practices should have a regularly updated written protocol for responding to medical emergencies and all staff should be regularly trained in its use.

2.3. The management of medical emergencies should be based on the current guidelines issued by the Australian Resuscitation Council and those described in the most recent edition of Therapeutic Guidelines – Oral and Dental.