Basic guide to medical emergencies in the dental practice

  • P. Jevon
Wiley-Blackwell £22.99 9781405197847 | ISBN: 978-1-4051-9784-7
Ideal for CPD.

This book is aimed at the whole dental team and provides a broad basic guide to an extensive subject. It has some 200 pages broken down into 13 detailed chapters.

Chapter topics include medical emergencies and resuscitation in the dental practice; resuscitation equipment; the ABCDE approach; respiratory disorders; cardiac, neurological and endocrine disorders; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; airway management and ventilation; automated external defibrillation; paediatric emergencies and professional and legal issues.

Each chapter follows the same structure: introduction, learning outcomes, bulk of information and conclusion followed by references. Chapters are clear and concise with highlighted headings.

Chapter 2 states the current recommendations of emergency drugs and resuscitation equipment needed in the general dental practice.

Offers a systematic approach to the treatment and management of medical emergencies...

The book emphasises the fundamental importance of taking an accurate medical history with regular reviews in order to undertake necessary measures to reduce the chance of complications occurring. It addresses problems arising from risk factors we come across on a daily basis such as smoking, diabetes and angina as well as the unexpected complications like syncope, anaphylaxis, myocardial infarction, stroke and seizures.

We all need to continually keep up-to-date on the ever changing guidelines regarding medical emergencies. I quote Standards for dental professionals (General Dental Council, 2005) which emphasises that ‘all dental professionals are responsible for putting patients’ interests first, and acting to protect them. Central to this responsibility is the need for dental professionals to ensure that they are able to deal with medical emergencies that may arise in their practice. Such emergencies are, fortunately, a rare occurrence, but it is important to recognise that a medical emergency could happen at any time and that all members of the dental team need to know their role in the event of one occurring.'

Clear learning outcomes make this book ideal for CPD. This is a good surgery resource and will complement what we learn annually at our CPR sessions. Procedures can be taught, learned and practised so we are prepared if there is a medical emergency. It is an evidence-based, practical book which follows national guidelines and offers a systematic approach to the treatment and management of medical emergencies.

This book will help us to anticipate potential emergencies and know what resources must be at hand to deal effectively with the situation.

Books like this should prompt us all to, again, familiarise ourselves with our emergency drug kits and practice procedures.