Although the primary function of a Dental Office is Dental Therapy, the ADA requires that each office also have a basic stock of Medical Supplies for treating medical emergencies. Whether these issues arise as a direct result of the dental therapy being administered, or just by chance while the patient is in your office, there are some items you’re required to have to be prepared, and other items that are part of revolving best practices you may want to strongly consider.  We’ll take a look at a few suggestions.

The most integral part of your medical supply should be preparedness.  This plan should be one that all staff members know and the ADA suggests re-training your staff, including running scenarios, at least once per year.  All staff should know Basic Life Support (BLS) but they should also be educated in prevention, an action plan for when an emergency occurs, how to recognize patient distress, as well as how to manage the medical emergency.  All should also be familiar with any onsite emergency related medical drugs or supplies.

Another important thing to note is that your level of medical preparedness may need to be different than that of other offices.  You should consider not only the ADA regulations, but whether your state has any additional requirements.  Other things to consider are the location of your practice: whether urban or rural where it will take more time for help to arrive.  Also think about the type of patients you typically have in your practice.  If you are a pediatric practice, you will require a different array of supplies than a practice that typically serves geriatrics, special needs, or other patients that are medically compromised.

Oxygen:

The basic, most important medical supply to have is Oxygen.  You’ll want a portable E cylinder that is easily transportable to wherever it is needed within the office, and ways to administer it, either with a mouth-to-mask device or a bag-valve-mouth device.

Forceps:

Magill forceps are a must have in case there is ever a need to quickly and effectively remove foreign objects lost down the patient’s hypopharynx during dental therapy.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED):

AED’s are actually required to be in dental offices in some states and it’s always a great idea to have one.  Staff should be trained on usage and equipment should be maintained and regularly checked to ensure it’s in working order.

Monitoring Equipment:

The more of this your office has, the better you can detect a medical emergency and keep track of its progress.  All offices should have at least a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor with cuff, and a thermometer.  There are automated vital signs monitors that can do all this in one and also read oxygen saturation level.  A wall clock with a second hand is an invaluable added resource to have in the various rooms in your office.

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Emergency Drug Kit:

There are various size kits available for purchase from almost any Dental Supply vendors. These kits save the dental team from needing to determine on their own exactly what and how many of each drug to have on hand.  Most of these kits include an auto update service which is a great way to be sure your kits are always stocked and nothing is out of date.  Choose the kit that best serves your practice, keeping in mind the types of procedures you do, and be sure it’s easily accessible and the team knows what’s in it and when it may be needed.  Epinephrine is the most necessary and important drug in your emergency kit, and you should also be sure Aspirin and an asthma inhaler is part of it as well.

Other Helpful Items to Consider:

CPR mouth barriers: Should you need to give CPR, this is a sanitary and efficient tool to have handy. There are both disposable and reusable options on the market.

Pregnancy Test: Some offices have found this convenient to have on hand, as some patients are unsure if they may be pregnant and have concerns about undergoing x-rays or anything that exposes them to radiation, or if a need arises to prescribe a tetracycline-based drug.

Blood Glucose Monitor:  These come in finger-stick or arm-stick types.  Most patients find the finger-stick preferable and these could be helpful to have on hand, particularly with diabetic patients.

For a complete and regulation-based list of requirements specific to your state, be sure to check in with your State Dental Association or your state’s Board of Dental Practice.