Evaluation of knowledge and experience of dentists of São Paulo State, Brazil about cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

This work describes the knowledge and experience of dentists about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A total of 182 dentists from São Paulo State, Brazil were interviewed: 59% judged themselves able to define CPR, although only 46% had a correct concept; 54% believed himself to be able to perform CPR, however, none of them referred to have received practical training in CPR; 3% of the interviewed professionals mentioned the occurrence of cadiopulmonary arrest in their dental office. It was concluded that dental surgeons in Brazil should be better trained for medical emergencies that can occur in the dental office.