Topic 

Medical Emergencies in a Dental Setting

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Goal

At the end of the presentation, the learner will be able to explain how to appropriately react to a variety of medical emergencies that may occur in a dental setting. 

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Objectives

At the end of the presentation, the learner will be able to:

• prevent, when possible, medical emergencies through initial assessments and personnel preparation,

• list the information necessary to be communicated to an EMS dispatcher,

• explain CPR protocol,

• discuss the indications and contraindications of oxygen administration,

• explain when and how a dental hygienist should interfere with a client with an obstructed airway,

• discuss how to effectively handle a medical emergency involving a client experiencing cardiac arrest,

• discuss how to effectively handle a medical emergency involving a client experiencing a diabetic emergency,

• discuss how to effectively handle a medical emergency involving a client experiencing anaphylaxis,

• discuss how to effectively handle a medical emergency involving a client experiencing a stroke or cerebrovascular accident,

• discuss how to effectively handle a medical emergency involving a client experiencing an asthma attack,

• discuss how to effectively handle a medical emergency involving a client experiencing syncope, &

• explain how to document a medical emergency the the client's chart. 

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Lesson Style

The lesson will be in powerpoint format, posted digitally. Due to the fact that this lesson will not occur in person, the opportunity for interaction will be limited. Videos will be incorporated into the powerpoint to make up for this. 

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Introduction [2 minutes]

The introduction will include a table of contents to inform the learner of what will be discussed throughout the lesson. It will encompass the prevention aspect of the presentation, as one would not have to deal with a medical emergency if it can be prevented. 

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Body [10 minutes]

Due to the fact that not all medical emergencies can be prevented, the body of the presentation will encompass steps to follow in case of specific medical emergencies in the dental office. This will include how to effectively activate EMS and a summary of the steps involved in CPR. It will also provide a list of signs and symptoms, as well as appropriate steps to follow, in case of any of the following medical emergencies: obstructed airway, cardiac arrest, diabetic emergency, anaphylaxis, stroke or CVA, asthma attack, and syncope. These conditions are most common, which is why they were incorporated into the lesson. The body of the PowerPoint presentation will also provide the learner with recommendations in regards to the documentation associated with a medical emergency.

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Activity [0 minutes]

Due to the fact that this lesson will be posted online, there is no opportunity for an activity.

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Conclusion [2 minutes]

The conclusion of this lesson will reinforce the fact that early recognition and prevention are the best ways of dealing with a medical emergency. Evaluation of goals and objectives will not be possible, as this powerpoint will be posted online with no interaction with the learner. If this lesson was in person, an activity could be developed in order to evaluate the achievement of goals. 

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