This chapter discusses the importance of preparing for emergencies in the dental office. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of the dental assistant and receptionist during an emergency. The dental assistant's roles include notifying the dentist, retrieving the emergency kit and oxygen tank, and assisting the dentist. The receptionist's roles are to call emergency services and keep waiting patients calm. The chapter also reviews the contents and proper use of the emergency kit and oxygen tank. It stresses the importance of practicing emergency routines.

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Chapter 1
Office Preparation

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Objectives
• Upon completion of this chapter, you will
be able to:
– Explain the role of the dental auxiliary during
an office emergency
– Explain the importance of an office
emergency routine
– Describe the functions of the auxiliary in
relation to the emergency kit
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Objectives (cont’d.)
– Identify the attachments used with an oxygen
tank
– Explain the importance of the demand-valve
resuscitator
– Demonstrate the operation of the oxygen tank
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Office Emergency Routine
• Important to prevent a minor emergency
from becoming serious
• Essential to include responsibilities of
each member of the dental team
• Routine must be practiced
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Office Emergency Routine (cont’d.)
• Role of the dental auxiliary
– Notify dentist of the emergency
– Administer basic life support if necessary
– Retrieve emergency kit
– Retrieve oxygen tank
– Retrieve hard backboard
– Assist dentist by preparing emergency drugs
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Office Emergency Routine (cont’d.)
• Role of the receptionist
– Keep emergency numbers updated and within
reach
– Notify emergency medical service
– Direct emergency personnel into the office
– Keep waiting room patients calm
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Office Emergency Routine (cont’d.)
• Practice routine on a regular basis
– Emergency should be simulated
– Each person performs assigned functions
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Emergency Kit
• Several types of emergency kits, each with
advantages and disadvantages
– Homemade kit
– Manufactured kit
• Key is to select a kit that meets the
dentist’s needs
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Emergency Kit (cont’d.)
Figure 1-1: A sample emergency kit
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Emergency Kit (cont’d.)
• The dental auxiliary and the emergency kit
– Need to be familiar with the contents
– Inspect kit routinely to check for broken
equipment or depleted drugs
– Make sure instructions are included if required
– Know how to open single-dose ampule
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Emergency Kit (cont’d.)
Figure 1-2: Single dose ampule
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Oxygen Tank
• Can be administered by any trained
individual
• Useful in most emergency situations
except hyperventilation
• All oxygen tanks are green
– Distinguishes them from other gas tanks
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Oxygen Tank (cont’d.)
• Attachments
– Regulator must be attached for oxygen to be
administered to a patient
– Flow of oxygen adjusted by flowmeter
• Bourbon gauge
• Pressure-compensated
– Basic mask is sufficient for emergency dental
– Demand-valve resuscitator forces oxygen into
the patient’s lungs
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Oxygen Tank (cont’d.)
• Operating the tank
– Open the seal to release oxygen and clear
debris
– Attach regulator and flowmeter
– Open the regulator valve
– Adjust the flowmeter to release four to six
liters
– Check facemask hose for twists or knots
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Oxygen Tank (cont’d.)
• Operating the tank
– Place mask over patient’s face
• Ensure mask fits with a good seal
– When oxygen therapy is complete:
• Remove mask
• Turn flowmeter to zero
• Close tank valve
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Oxygen Tank (cont’d.)
• Precautions
– Do not use near an open flame
– Grease or oil can make oxygen explode
• Make sure you do not have oil on your hands
• Do not store tank around oily, dirty rags
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Summary
• Emergencies do occur in dental offices
• To prevent minor emergencies from
becoming major, staff need to:
– Know their responsibilities
– Have all equipment available and ready
– Know how to use equipment
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