The Nature and Frequency of Medical Emergencies in Dental Offices of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background:

Medical emergencies are an unfortunate part of the dental practice, to which the dentist must have the required knowledge and means to counter them. In this study, we aimed to determine the nature and frequency of medical emergencies occurring in the dental offices of Karachi, Pakistan. We also aimed to ascertain the awareness and preparedness of dentists and their attitude towards training in management of these medical emergencies.

Methods:

In this study, 300 questionnaire forms were distributed to dentist at various colleges in Karachi city in the year 2015, out of which 244 complete and valid forms were received and used, giving a response rate of 81%. SPSS version 16.0 was used to compute and analyze the collected data.

Results:

Out of 244 respondents, 23% were males and 77% were females. Since, 83% of the dentist had faced a medical emergency at least once in their practice. Highest recorded medical emergency was found to be syncope (faints) being reported by 71% of the dentist. Most of the medical emergencies (89%) took place during an extraction procedure. 55% dentist claimed that they were prepared enough to manage an emergency. Irrespective of their perceived abilities, 100% showed keen interest in the field of improvement through continuing education in management of medical emergency.

Conclusion:

Medical emergencies are common in dental practice and a substantial proportion of dentists feel incompetent in handling such situations. This requires better medical emergency management courses and training in undergraduate dental programs as well as continued dental education and training.