Medical Emergencies: Essentials for the Dental Professional

A survey revealed that among 2704 dentists polled over a 10-year period, more than 13,000 medical emergencies took place.” decisionsindentistry.com

Dental hygiene and dental visits still remain anxiety-inducing experiences for some patients.  This heightened anxiety level can increase the risk of medical emergencies occurring during appointments.  This *interactive on demand webinar will promote the determination of the correct emergency diagnosis and the proper treatment procedures to be rendered by the dental professional in the event that an emergency should arise. A wide array of emergencies will be covered from syncope to anaphylactic shock. Highlighted will be the prevention of medical emergencies by the use of appropriate assessment procedures prior to treatment.  The importance of the medical emergency kit will be emphasized.

Course Objectives: 

1. State the rationale for baseline vital signs.
2. Understand the importance of medical emergency simulation.
3. Understand the importance of current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
4. Recognize symptoms of several medical emergencies that may occur in the dental office.
5. Explain the emergency procedure to be followed for several common medical emergencies that may occur in the dental office.
6. Identify essential emergency equipment for the emergency kit.

Original date: 2/26/24, Expiry date:  2/25/27

Speaker: Ellen B. Grimes, RDH, MA, MPA, Ed.D.
Dr. Grimes is the retired Vermont State University Dental Hygiene Program Director and has taught dental hygiene since 1981.  Her areas of expertise are the Medical Emergencies, Dental Sciences, Clinical Dental Hygiene, Oral Pathology and the Administration of Local Anesthetics.  She was the recipient of the 2001 University of Vermont Kroepsch Maurice Award for teaching excellence.

Ellen received her Baccalaureate Degree in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Bridgeport, Fones School of Dental Hygiene.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, a second Master’s Degree in Public Administration and holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Ellen was the President of the Vermont Dental Hygienists’ Association from 1993-1994 and has served that organization in numerous capacities over the past 25 years.  In 1998 she was honored with the VDHA Outstanding Dental Hygienist of the Year Award.  She is a Past President of the Summa Chapter of the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society.  Ellen served as CODA accreditation site visitor and a Dental Hygiene National Board test constructor for many years. She is a member of the CDCA/WREB/CITA and serves on its CSCE Examination and Nomination committees. She is the author of the textbook, “Medical Emergencies:  Essentials for the Dental Professional” now in its updated second edition.

Disclosure: The speaker received an honorarium from

Disclaimers: As per ADA guidelines, participants must use caution when using limited knowledge in treating patients. It is always recommended to do further research.