Ability of Dental Students to Deliver Oxygen in a Medical Emergency

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of dental students to administer emergency oxygen to a patient during a simulated emergency. Forty third-year (D3) and fourth-year (D4) dental students were recruited and asked to demonstrate their ability in managing a simulated angina attack. Students were tested on their knowledge related to emergency medical protocols, the time taken to obtain oxygen, and operation of the oxygen equipment. Of the subjects tested, 68 percent independently identified the need for oxygen and the correct location of the equipment in the dental school. Only 15 percent of the students completed the experiment within a predetermined optimal time frame, and 50 percent of all students did not successfully operate the tank regulator to administer oxygen correctly. Although most participants in the study were able to verbalize the proper protocol for managing medical emergencies, the chairside execution in this situation demonstrates room for improvement. Incorporation of periodic simulation exercises, in addition to classroom education, is likely to improve the ability of dental students to manage medical emergencies.

High‐fidelity simulation in training dental students for medical life‐threatening emergency

“…The teaching of basic life support integrated in the curriculum of dental students probably remains too theoretical. Half of the students are able to properly administer oxygen in case of an angina attack or to appropriately manage a cardiac arrest . As suggested by Weller et al .…”

Basic life support knowledge and skills of Iranian general dental practitioners to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation

“…Le et al ., found that, although the dental students were able to verbalize the protocol for administration oxygen in medical emergencies, but only 50% of them were able to operate the tank to administer oxygen properly to a patient during a simulated emergency situation. 26 For many years the simulation training has been done successfully for medical students; therefore, it seems that this method should be used for dental students in order to training medical emergencies. 27 28 …”

Are “Human Factors” the Primary Cause of Complications in the Field of Implant Dentistry?

“…The causes for failure or adverse events are frequently unrelated to a lack of knowledge, but instead to an inability to apply this knowledge appropriately. This is well illustrated in a study by Le et al,13 in which the authors asked dental students to administer an emergency procedure during a simulated dental emergency. Only 15% of the students managed to implement the protocol within the specified time frame.…”