Medical Emergency Training for WA Dental Teams Online

This 4-hour course is offered in conjunction with the Washington AGD and is designed for the full dental team. After the successful completion of this course, you will earn 4 hours of CE and be provided documentation for future reviews of the emergency protocols.

When a medical emergency occurs in the dental office, dentists and their teams need to think fast and undertake lifesaving actions in order to improve a patient’s chances for a successful outcome.

Per WAC 246-817-724, any dentist who uses anesthetic agents of any kind, including topical anesthetic, must develop and maintain written emergency protocols. All staff must be trained in the protocols, to be reviewed annually. Additionally, under WAC 246-817-774, all dentists who hold a moderate sedation with enteral agents permit or moderate sedation with parenteral agents permit, must conduct a minimum of 12 emergency drills at least two times per year, as a condition of permit renewal.

Presented in conjunction with the Washington AGD and taught by Dr. Carol Wilson, this course will thoroughly review the 12 emergency scenarios and provide documentation for you and your team to conduct future in-office trainings yourself.

Course Objectives:

• Review the steps to take in the event of aspiration of vomitus.
• Learn about the “fire triangle” and how to prevent it.
• Identify the red flags and risk factors that could contribute to syncope.
• Learn what actions to take when seizures or convulsions occur in a patient.
• Review three sets of criteria for making a diagnosis of anaphylaxis.
• Recognize the symptoms of a stroke or cerebrovascular accident.
• Identify the signs of hypoglycemia.
• Understand the causes, signs, and symptoms of hypertension and hypotension.
• Review MONA vs. ASAP protocols for treating angina pectoris.
• Learn the value of capnography monitoring during a medical emergency.

Emergency Scenarios Covered:

1. Laryngospasm and Bronchospasm
2. Emesis and aspiration
3. Airway obstruction
4. Angina/Acute myocardial infarction
5. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
   • Bradycardia
   • Ventricular tachycardia (VT) Ventricular fibrillation (VF) Asystole
   • Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
6. Hypotension and Hypertension
7. Venipuncture Complications
8. Neurocardiogenic (vasovagal) syncope
9. Allergic reaction
10. Local anesthetic toxicity
11. Hyperventilation syndrome
12. Seizure

NOTE ABOUT THE COURSE / CE HOURS:

1.5 hours are specifically allotted for practical role-playing exercises led by the dentist in their office setting. This time is designed to simulate real medical emergencies that could arise in a dental practice, allowing the dentist and their team to practice responding to critical situations in the environment where they would occur. By conducting these role plays in the office, the team can become familiar with the unique logistics of their workspace, from the location of emergency equipment to communication flow.

The hands-on nature of these exercises allows the dentist to lead their team through the process of recognizing signs of distress, initiating emergency protocols, and providing immediate care, all within the familiarity of their practice. This 1.5-hour practical session is an essential part of the course.

Purchase of this course grants access for one year and requires an internet connection, computer with video and audio capabilities, and in some cases, Adobe Reader to view handouts and articles.

You can download this course and watch it anywhere using the DOCS APP. Get it on Google Play or the Apple Store.

Watch the videos and complete the quiz to earn 4 CE credit.

Scientific support and additional resources are available here.