MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN THE DENTALOFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL OF (IN)SECURITY

Abstract

With the advancement of medicine and increased life expectancy, there has been an increasing diversity of patients who seek dental treatment. Thus, the dentists are most likely to encounter complications in their medical practice. Emergence event is an unpredictable state that requires immediate action for preserving life. So, it is essential for the professional and his team to be prepared, knowing Life Support Basic Maneuvers to preserve patient's life. Objectives: To review and discuss the main instances of medical emergencies in dental office, as well as the management suitable for such situations. Methods: A literature review was conducted in the databases PubMed, BBO, Google Scholar, using the following keywords in portuguese and english: "emergency treatment", "emergency identification", "dentistry". Were selected the most current references (2000-2011), and other classical works of great historical importance to discuss the subject. Results: Most studies indicate there is an increase in the number of medical emergencies, being the syncope responsible for most cases, associated with a great insecurity of dentists in facing these emergencies. Conclusion: It was concluded that the large uncertainty on the part of dentists in coping with emergency situations may result from inadequate preparation during undergraduate studies and lack of training for the profession. DESCRIPTORS: Emergency treatment. Emergency identification. Dentistry.