Objective: This study aimed to assess dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and self-confidence regarding medical emergencies, as well as to determine the frequency, types, and severity of such events encountered in dental settings. Additionally, the availability of essential emergency equipment and drugs, dentists’ preparedness levels, and prior training experiences were evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 dentists using a previously validated and reliable questionnaire. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, clinical experience, prior encounters with medical emergencies, availability of equipment, and perceived self-efficacy. Frequency analyses and association tests were employed to examine the relationships between encountering medical emergencies, training background, and equipment availability. Results: Within the past 12 months, hypoglycemia (32.5%) emerged as the most frequently reported emergency, surpassing vasovagal syncope (25.8%), which is commonly emphasized in the literature. Dentists who reported serious medical emergencies also indicated higher levels of equipment availability and prior exposure to minor emergencies. Among those who had witnessed cardiac arrest, the majority (80%) had not received postgraduate training, and none (100%) had used a defibrillator. Oxygen use (27.5%) showed a strong association with prior training during undergraduate education. Conclusion: The findings highlight significant variability in emergency preparedness among dentists. Continuous, hands-on training and standardized emergency protocols are crucial for enhancing clinical competence and improving patient safety in dental practice
Authors: Sema Nur Sevinç Gül, Alparslan Dilsiz, Edanur Diri, Ismayıl Huseynlı
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31020/mutftd.1742270
Publish Year: 2025
