Charmi Solanki1, Maria L Geisinger2, Paul G Luepke3, Kinan Al-Bitar4, Leena Palomo5, Wangsoo Lee2, Steven Blanchard6, Daniel Shin6, Gerardo Maupome7, George J Eckert8, Vanchit John6. 1. Private Practice, Indiana, USA. 2. Department of Periodontology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. 3. Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, UTHSC, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. 4. Private Practice, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA. 5. Department of Periodontology, Case Western School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. 6. Department of Periodontology, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. 7. Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. 8. Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dentists treat a wide range of patients, including patients with compromised health conditions. While rendering treatment, various medical emergencies can and do occur. To help increase the knowledge required to manage such emergencies, dental students must be trained while in dental school. This study aims to assess the level of medical emergency preparedness and knowledge among dental students at four dental schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participating dental schools were IUSD, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Marquette University School of Dentistry, and the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Groups were designed to include 20 dental students from Years 1 to 4. Students were asked to fill out a survey and were then tested on 10 clinical medical emergency scenarios. RESULTS: A total of 331 dental students participated in the study. The scores based on 10 case scenarios presented with a range of 4.35-8.02. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of preparedness when dental schools were compared. However, Year 1 and Year 2 dental students had significantly lower total scores than those of Years 3 and 4. The students in Years 1 and 2 demonstrated less confidence in their current knowledge to manage medical emergencies. Satisfaction with the training received ranged from 38% to 84%. CONCLUSION: The results from this study indicate that students' preparedness to manage medical emergencies at these four dental schools is statistically similar. Additional yearly training could enhance students' preparedness in the management of medical emergencies in the dental setting.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dentists treat a wide range of patients, including patients with compromised health conditions. While rendering treatment, various medical emergencies can and do occur. To help increase the knowledge required to manage such emergencies, dental students must be trained while in dental school. This study aims to assess the level of medical emergency preparedness and knowledge among dental students at four dental schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participating dental schools were IUSD, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Marquette University School of Dentistry, and the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Groups were designed to include 20 dental students from Years 1 to 4. Students were asked to fill out a survey and were then tested on 10 clinical medical emergency scenarios. RESULTS: A total of 331 dental students participated in the study. The scores based on 10 case scenarios presented with a range of 4.35-8.02. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of preparedness when dental schools were compared. However, Year 1 and Year 2 dental students had significantly lower total scores than those of Years 3 and 4. The students in Years 1 and 2 demonstrated less confidence in their current knowledge to manage medical emergencies. Satisfaction with the training received ranged from 38% to 84%. CONCLUSION: The results from this study indicate that students' preparedness to manage medical emergencies at these four dental schools is statistically similar. Additional yearly training could enhance students' preparedness in the management of medical emergencies in the dental setting.
Authors: Giath Gazal; Hamzah Aljohani; Khalid H Al-Samadani; Mohammad Zakaria Nassani Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-27 Impact factor: 4.614