RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The preparedness of private dental offices and polyclinics for medical emergencies
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 335
OP 340
DO 10.15537/smj.2015.3.10047
VO 36
IS 3
A1 Maisa O. Al-Sebaei
A1 Moayyad A. Alkayyal
A1 Abdulelah H. Alsulimani
A1 Othman S. Alsulaimani
A1 Weam T. Habib
YR 2015
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/36/3/335.abstract
AB Objectives: To assess preparedness for medical emergencies in private dental offices in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a survey was distributed to 70 dental offices and polyclinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between October 2013 and January 2014. The questionnaire gathered information on the prevention of medical emergencies, the preparedness of the office personnel, and availability of emergency drugs and equipment.Results: For prevention, 92% (n=65) of the offices reported that they obtain a thorough medical history prior to treatment; however, only 11% (n=8) obtain vital signs for each visit. Using a preparedness percent score (0 to 100), the mean level of preparedness of the office personnel in all surveyed dental offices was 55.2±20. The availability of emergency drugs was 35±35, and equipment was 19±22.Conclusion: We found a deficiency in personnel training, availability of drugs, and emergency equipment in the surveyed dental clinics. More stringent rules and regulations for emergency preparedness must be reinforced to avoid disasters in these clinics.