The knowledge and awareness of medical emergencies and management among dental students
Khadijah Mohideen1, Balakrishnan Thayumanavan1, C Krithika2, Rafique Nazia3, Balasubramaniam Murali1, C Pravda4, Maimoon Arshadha5
1 Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 2 Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 3 General Dentist, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India 4 Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 5 General Dentist, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Correspondence Address:
Khadijah Mohideen Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_559_20
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Background: Every dentist should anticipate being confronted with a medical emergency (ME), and one should always be ready to treat the most catastrophic ones. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of dental clinical students of Tamil Nadu in the ME understanding and management to create awareness toward patient care. Methodology: A total of 768 dental students, including final-year students and residents from different colleges, took part in the questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The selection of study participants was by the convenience sampling method. The questionnaire contained thirty closed multiple-choice questions to assess their knowledge of MEs. Microsoft Office Excel software was used for compiling the answers. The descriptive analysis of the data is exhibited in graphs. Results: The majority of participants were mindful of the vital signs; only 55% of the participants know the importance of checking their respiration rate. The knowledge of identifying MEs such as anaphylaxis was 91%, and only 27%–37% of the respondents knew to identify angina, transient ischemia, and lidocaine toxicity. Approximately 15%–40% of the respondents only knew the management of angina, cardiac arrest, hyperventilation, respiratory obstruction, and seizure. Only 10% agreed that the best office emergency kit should be prepared by themselves. Roughly 78% of the respondents were conscious of the patient's referral whenever necessary and aware of state dental acts. Conclusion: This study reflects a significant need for training in executing ME among dental students who are to transmute into future dental professionals.
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