Emergency Procedures Protocol for Dental Practices

1. Emergency Assessment Protocol

Initial Triage

• Obtain vital signs (BP, pulse, respiration)
• Assess level of consciousness
• Document chief complaint
• Rate pain level (1-10 scale)
• Screen for medical alerts/conditions

Emergency Categories

Priority 1 (Immediate Care Required)

• Severe uncontrolled bleeding
• Facial/oral trauma with compromised airway
• Severe infection with swelling
• Post-extraction complications

Priority 2 (Urgent Care)

• Acute pulpitis
• Pericoronitis
• Localized abscess
• Avulsed tooth

2. Emergency Equipment Requirements

Basic Emergency Kit

• Oxygen delivery system
• Blood pressure monitor
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Emergency medications
• Suction equipment

Emergency Medications

• Epinephrine 1:1000
• Diphenhydramine
• Nitroglycerin
• Albuterol inhaler
• Aspirin 325mg

3. Staff Responsibilities

Front Office

• Screen emergency calls
• Document incident details
• Contact emergency services if needed
• Maintain emergency contact list

Clinical Staff

• Assess patient condition
• Prepare emergency equipment
• Assist dentist during procedures
• Monitor vital signs

4. Documentation Requirements

Emergency Record

• Time and date of incident
• Patient vital signs
• Treatments provided
• Medications administered
• Follow-up instructions

5. After-Hours Protocol

On-Call System

• Rotating schedule for dentists
• Emergency phone coverage
• Referral protocols
• Documentation procedures

6. Monthly Checklist

• Verify emergency kit contents
• Check medication expiration dates
• Test emergency equipment
• Review staff emergency roles
• Update emergency contacts