Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Confidence in the Management of Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office: A Survey among the Dental Students and Interns

The knowledge, attitude and perceived confidence in handling medical emergencies among dental students

BACKGROUND

According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services HHS 2017, when a medical disease suddenly manifests itself with acute symptoms of sufficient intensity (including extreme pain) endangering the patient's health, seriously impairing body functions or bringing an organ or its portion to be seriously dysfunctional, a medical emergency has occurred. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perceived confidence in handling medical emergencies among dental students by the means of conducting this investigation.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the different hierarchies of dentists of Riyadh using an online survey; 387 dentists from varying clinical levels (9 to 12) were included in this study. The questionnaire used for this study consisted of questions related to demographic data followed by questions including knowledge, attitude, and confidence towards handling medical emergencies in clinics.

RESULTS

In this study, male participants represented 64.4% and female subjects represented 35.6% of the total population. Most of the undergraduates were in their 5th year of dentistry school and accounted for 36.9%, followed by 6th year 36.2% and 4th year 26.8%. 67.1% of the undergraduates never encountered any medical emergency during their study, while 32.9% encountered an emergency. Furthermore, 58.4% of the analyzed subjects recorded medical history thoroughly, while priority in an emergency was adrenaline, with a percentage of 45%. For the patient suffering syncope the Trendelenburg position was chosen. Also, the first action choice with unresponsive patients was CPR.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, the findings revealed that the majority of the population never encountered an emergency in their career, but their knowledge about drug priority and patient's position was good. Most of them do not measure vital signs routinely; specifically, females do not usually measure, while males measure when needed. About Basic Life Support (BLS), participants took BLS or were interested in taking it in the future; furthermore, in group population, both have taken it and are interested in further carrying it.

First-aid knowledge and practices towards patients with epileptic seizures among the dental students in Saudi Arabia - A cross-sectional study

Background

Dental care of patients with epilepsy and seizures must be performed by dentists who are familiar with these disorders. Improper training and incapability to manage medical emergencies, including epileptic seizures, may cause thoughtful consequences and legal actions. Therefore, dental students must have a proper knowledge of the disease and its consequences. They should have the ability to provide first-aid measures helping a patient experiencing an epileptic seizure in their clinics. This study aims to evaluate the first-aid knowledge and practices towards patients with epileptic seizures among the dental students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting dental students in Saudi Arabia from 15 September 2022 to 15 December 2022 using convenience sampling. An online questionnaire was sent to the students via social media platforms for data collection. The data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.

Results

Of the 499 dental students included, 154 (30.86%) students had ever seen an epileptic patient in the clinics. About 16% of students did not know about performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on patients. The majority (66.5%) would call the ambulance after the patient's seizure stops. About 82% of students prefer to call an ambulance if the patients face difficulty breathing or waking up after the seizure. More than 60% of students were taking precautions before treating an epilepsy patient. About 58.5% of the students were using local anaesthesia for an epilepsy patient. Nearly 41.9% do not have the confidence to treat an epilepsy patient. About 28.0% would swipe the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) magnet over the left side of the chest. Of 154 students, who had ever seen epileptic patients, the majority (68.8%) refused to treat patients if they observe noncompliance with medication and follow-up among the patients who had any recent illness or seizures (16.2%).

Conclusion

The undergraduate dental students had an intermediate knowledge regarding epilepsy and epileptic seizure first aid. However, some students lacked the confidence to deal with the epileptic cases in their clinics. Educational campaigns on epilepsy and first-aid courses targeting dental students are highly recommended.

Knowledge and Attitudes towards Medical Emergencies among Dentists in Iași, Romania

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of resident dentists and new graduates regarding the etiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the main medical emergency conditions. The study included a sample of 152 new graduates and residents in the first, second, and third year of training in Prosthodontics and General Dentistry from the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi, Romania. Their level of knowledge and the attitudes were assessed using a questionnaire with 24 questions, divided into four sections. The differences among groups were identified using the chi-square test (p < 0.05). A high level of knowledge was found among the three groups of subjects for the questions regarding the recognition of clinical signs in hypoglycemic crisis (88-100%), in anaphylactic shock (83.3-94.5%), and the treatment of angina pectoris (76.2-84.2%). In contrast, a low level of knowledge was found for the questions regarding pulse evaluation in the case of an emergency (26.3-35.7%), the parameters of normal breathing (28.9-43%), and the treatment of hypoglycemic crisis (27.8-44.8%). The study indicated that the dentists had a moderate understanding of dental office medical emergencies and preferred practical training over theoretical courses.

A Systematic Review: Study on Challenges Faced by Dental Interns in the Workforce: Suggestions for Pacific Nations

Aim

To identify challenges faced by dental interns in the workforce and to suggest Pacific Island Countries (PIC) on further research in this area.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, Scopus and ProQuest databases was conducted using relevant keywords. All studies, published from 1st January 2000 to 31st January 2021, were taken into consideration. Removal of duplicates and screening the full-text articles using eligibility criteria were used to finalise the number of articles. The significant findings and conclusions were extracted and grouped under themes.

Results

A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving dental interns, medical interns, postgraduate and undergraduate. Five themes were identified as the main challenges faced by dental interns in the workplace including workplace bullying, handling medical emergencies, community placement, lack of interdisciplinary approach and poor record keeping.

Conclusion

There is a need for PIC to conduct research and surveys, to identify the challenges its dental interns may be facing. This will create an ideal foundation from which strategies and initiatives can be implemented and enforced in the dental internship programme. Ensuring that oral health services are delivered efficiently and oral status of the Pacific is not compromised.

Frequency and features of medical emergencies at a teaching dental hospital in Saudi Arabia: a 14-year retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the nature, frequency, and characteristics of medical emergencies occurring at the King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The incident reports of medical emergencies recorded at the King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital from January 2008 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The annual/overall incidence of medical emergency events was calculated per 100,000 patients. The following characteristics of the patients/events were evaluated: age, gender, operator, procedure, location, timing of treatment, administration of local anesthesia, past medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, outcome, and disposition. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations of these characteristics with two outcomes: syncope and transfer to the emergency room (ER).

RESULTS

The incidence of emergency events was 17.4 per 100,000 patients. Syncope and hypoglycemia were the most common emergencies. Most incidents recovered, with only 13% requiring transfer to the ER. Undergoing no procedure and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 2,3 were associated with syncope. Undergoing a general dental procedure, ASA class 2,3, and a diagnosis other than hypoglycemia and syncope were associated with transfer to the ER.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of medical emergencies was low. Dental practitioners need to remain aware of the contributing factors, such as past medical history and anxiety, but medical emergencies can occur in healthy individuals as well. Preparation of the dental office, training of the personnel, and proper recording of the events are essential components of a well-established medical emergency protocol in dental institutions.

Simulation training for medical emergencies of dental patients: A review of the dental literature

In recent years, due to the aging of the population, the number of dental patients with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes has increased. Although it has been reported that these patients are increasingly developing medical emergencies during their dental treatments, many dental providers still do not possess the skills to manage medical emergencies appropriately. Simulation training is essential to improve this situation however, there is no report describing how to conduct an effective simulation in detail for dental office medical emergencies. The purpose of this review is to provide information on simulations that is effective and practical. The authors will highlight the key characteristics for providing effective simulation trainings, such as the selection of simulators, simulation locations, instructors, debriefings, methods for evaluating educational effectiveness, and the use of telesimulation as a method for simulation training due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this review provides recommendations on tailoring an ideal simulation training course for those who wish to create one. The authors hope that this review will promote the spread of effective simulation training and in turn, contribute to improving the medical safety of dental patients.

Evaluating the use of role-play simulations in teaching management of medical emergencies in the dental clinic

BACKGROUND

Practical hands-on training is necessary for clinical competence in managing medical emergencies in the dental setting. Therefore, the King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry developed a role-play simulation-based clinical module for training clinical years (Years 4, 5, and 6) dental students in medical emergency management between 2016 and 2020. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of years 4, 5, and 6 dental students before and after the completion of the role-play simulation-based medical emergency training module.

METHODS

A mandatory four-hour annual training module was designed consisting of a 45-minute lecture on the medical emergency basic action plan and overview, four hands-on stations, and six role-play simulation-based medical emergency stations. A 16-item multiple choice test was used to assess the knowledge of the students before and after the training module every academic year. An objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) on a medical emergency scenario was administered to the students graduating each year. The difference between the pre- and post-module test scores and the one-time OSCE pass/fail rate were analyzed statistically using appropriate tests.

RESULTS

A total of 846 students participated in the study between 2017 and 2020: 275 once, 483 twice, 87 thrice, and one participated four times; in total, 1,506 assessments were conducted. Overall, the pre-test and post-test mean scores were 9.4 ± 3.0 and 13.5 ± 1.6, respectively. All students showed significant improvements in the post-test scores compared to the pre-test scores. Year 4 students showed the highest improvement, followed by Year 5 and Year 6. There was a statistically significant association between the pass/fail rate of the OSCE station and the number of times the module was taken.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant improvement in the scores of clinical year students in this study supports an annual mandate for all dental students to undergo simulation-based competency training in their clinical years. Teaching institutions are recommended to utilize simulation and hands-on instruction to teach medical emergency management.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of dentists in the management of medical emergencies in India: A cross-sectional study

Background

A medical emergency is an acute, unanticipated medical reaction or complication that threatens the patient's life or health and necessitates rapid attention or intervention. Since these emergencies can be life-threatening, the dentist's readiness is critical to avoid morbidity, mortality, and legal complications. Therefore, this study aims to assess dental students' and practitioners' knowledge, attitude, and practice in managing medical emergencies in India.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private dental institute among 420 participants (318 males and 102 females) using a customized questionnaire consisting of sixteen questions - one open-ended and fifteen closed-ended. The data obtained was analysed using Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann -Whitney U test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test.

Results

Out of the 420 respondents, 416 (99.05 %) respondents believed that it is essential to obtain patients' vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature) before starting any treatment. However, 345 (82.14 %) respondents had not taken any course in managing medical emergencies and only 196 (46.67 %) respondents were confident in handling a medical emergency. There was a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) between the various qualifications and responses for the majority of the questions.

Conclusion

There is a general lack of knowledge among all the respondents and a lack of positive attitude among undergraduates in dealing with medical emergencies.

Cross sectional study on the competence and confidence of dental students and graduates in the management of medically compromised patients and acute medical emergencies

A rapidly aging population means many people have multiple health issues leading to an increased risk of acute medical emergencies. The objective of this study was to evaluate how essential experiential learning is in developing dental graduates' ability to manage medically compromised patients. Three hundred and twenty-seven students and graduates were invited to participate in an online survey to rate their confidence in managing medically compromised patients and acute medical emergencies using a 5-point Likert scale. Competence of knowledge was evaluated using 30 multiple choice questions (MCQs) across six domains. The respondents were also asked whether a theory-only training adequately prepared them to manage medically compromised patients, or whether it must be supplemented with clinical training. Two-hundred and sixty-four responses were collected from 75 undergraduates (UG), 96 junior dental officers (JDO) and 93 senior dental officers (SDO). The UG reported that they infrequently managed medically compromised patients, whereas both the JDO and SDO reported having frequent encounters with these patients. The mean confidence scale in the management of medically compromised patients were 2.62, 3.50 and 3.69 (out of 5), respectively. In contrast, their confidence scale in the management of acute medical emergencies was 2.05, 2.33 and 2.50 (out of 5), respectively. The MCQ scores were 25.51, 26.44 and 26.86 out of 30, respectively. The outcomes of the JDO and SDO were significantly better than the UG (t-tests, p<0.05). All three groups responded that a theory-only training in dental school did not adequately prepare them to manage medically compromised patients. Both the JDO and SDO felt that their clinical work experience better prepared them to manage these patients. Experiential learning from "real-life" clinical experience is an essential component in developing graduates' confidence and competence in the management of medically compromised patients. A dental curriculum with theory-only training in this aspect is inadequate.

Sociodemographic factors associated with the level of knowledge about management of epileptic patients in Peruvian dental students: a cross-sectional study under a multivariable analysis

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that could indirectly affect oral health, and it is necessary for dentists to be familiar with the specific needs of patients with epilepsy. Therefore, aim of the present study was to assess the factors associated with the level of knowledge about management of epileptic patients in Peruvian dental students.

METHODS

This analytical, observational, cross-sectional and prospective study assessed 312 dental students from a Peruvian university during February to April 2022. A validated questionnaire of 20 closed multiple-choice questions was used to measure the level of knowledge about dental management in epileptic patients. A logit model was used to assess the influence of variables: gender, age, year of study, marital status, place of origin and area of residence, with the level of knowledge in dental students considering a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the total, 28.8%, 36.2% and 34.9% had a poor, fair and good level of knowledge, respectively, about the dental treatment of epileptic patients. On the other hand, it was observed that being a woman (OR = 0.44, CI 0.26-0.75) and being a third year student (OR = 0.39, CI 0.21-0.74) and fourth year student (OR = 0.43, CI 0.23-0.89) constituted a protective factor against poor knowledge about the dental management of epileptic patients, while being from the capital city constituted a risk factor. Finally, age, marital status and the students' area of residence were not considered influential factors (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Most of the students showed a poor and fair level of knowledge about the dental management of epileptic patients, with gender, academic year and place of origin being influential factors. It is advisable that authorities and teachers in the dental profession organize recurrent training programs on the care of patients with chronic diseases requiring special attention, since knowing general concepts, pharmacological management and dental care of epileptic patients will allow future dentists to develop competencies to improve and implement good quality care protocols for this group of patients.

A randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial of Moodle online learning for basic life support training on learning outcomes among dental students

OBJECTIVES

Dental students require basic life support (BLS) training to build their competency in cardiac arrest response. Online learning differs from the types of learning commonly practiced in Asia. We compared online learning and didactic lecture for BLS training in Thai dental students on knowledge, skill, and satisfaction.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled, single-blinded, non-inferiority trial in fifth-year students from Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Dentistry from August 2015 to February 2016. Online learning was conducted using Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (Moodle) 2.9 and required 90 min. Those in the didactic lecture group received a 90-min lecture covering similar content. Both groups received 2 h of skill training. After training, we evaluated their ability to pass a skills test, knowledge scores (immediately after training and 3 months later), and course satisfaction (5-point Likert scale).

RESULTS

We included 78 students and randomized them to online learning (39) or didactic lecture (39). The difference in proportion (95% confidence interval [CI]) of students passing the skills test on their first attempt was -1.5 (-20.8, 23.8), and all passed on their second attempt. The mean differences (95% CI) between the groups' immediate and 3 months knowledge scores were -2.5 (-6.2, 1.2), and -1.3 (-4.9, 2.3), respectively. The mean difference (95% CI) in satisfaction score was 0.02 (-0.28, 0.32).

CONCLUSION

Online learning and didactic lectures yielded comparable knowledge and skills, including satisfaction in Thai dental students. Online BLS training may alternatively aim for self-paced learning and increase flexibility. The recommendation is to increase online BLS learning in Thai culture.

Are dental professionals ready to deal with medical emergencies in their clinical office? A survey of university hospitals

This research aimed to assess the availability and need of dental emergency kits in Saudi Arabia university hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 267 dentists, including undergraduate, dental interns, general dentists, and specialists in 6 university hospitals (private and government colleges). In addition, a closed-ended questionnaire was distributed through emails using the online platform. The data revealed that 49.4% of dentists faced medical emergencies. Out of them, 72.7% said that emergency kits were available in their clinics. Sugar sources and oxygen were most commonly available. On the other hand, 37.8% of dentists handled emergencies independently, 34.5% considered themselves competent with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and 28.8% were confident of using emergency (ER) drugs. The most common medical emergencies were vasovagal syncope and hypoglycemia. The emergency kit in dental clinics is relatively available, and the incidence of medical emergencies is relatively minor. However, the competence and confidence of the dentists in tackling an emergency is low, including handling of emergency (ER), knowledge of CPR, and its performance. Therefore, CPR courses should be improved and promoted more widely for this purpose.

Knowledge and Awareness of Syncope Among the Population of Riyadh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Although syncope is a common emergency in medical settings, no research has yet evaluated the general population's awareness regarding it. This study investigated the general population's knowledge and awareness of syncope and if they could differentiate syncopal and non-syncopal causes of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh through a validated, self-administered Arabic questionnaire that was distributed to the general population through social media using Google Forms (convenience sampling). Participants younger than 18 or not from Riyadh were excluded from the study. Two cardiologists validated the questionnaire, following which forward and backward translation was done. The questionnaire contained three sections. The first section included demographic data and chronic conditions. In the second section, participants were asked if they or one of their relatives had ever experienced syncope. The third section had eight scenarios assessing the participants' syncope knowledge. Subjects with ≥five correct answers were considered to be aware. Results The number of total responses was 405 participants. Regarding demographic data, 53% of the participants were female, 33% had a medical background, and 76% had a university degree (n = 214, n = 134, and n = 306, respectively). The mean age of the participants was 33.2 ± 13.3 years. Participants who were aware of syncope represented 55% (n = 221). Among the syncope cases, orthostatic syncope had the highest number of correct answers (79%, n = 319), followed by vasovagal syncope (61%, n = 246). Males performed better in cases one (p = 0.001), two (p = 0.004), and seven (p = 0.01). Conclusions The results of this study showed that most participants were considered aware of syncope. Gender, marital status, and having a medical background had a significant influence on the results.

The Effect of Educational Video on COVID-19 and Dental Emergency Literacy among Students during Pandemic Era

OBJECTIVES

 To determine (1) the level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 and dental emergency (DE) along with the factors that might be associated (2) with the effect of educational video on the level of knowledge among nondental students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 This online pre-experimental study used an educational video regarding COVID-19 and DE with a one-group pretest-posttest design toward the undergraduate nondental students (n = 363) from six public universities in West Java Province, Indonesia, aged 18 to 22 years. A Google Form was used and convenience sampling was undertaken.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

 The chi-squared, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Spearman correlation tests were performed. Cohen's d effect size was used to assess the effect of videos.

RESULTS

 Most of the respondents were females around 20.36 ± 0.94 years. There is a statistically significant difference between the pre- and posttest knowledge score for COVID-19 (p <0.001) and DE (p <0.001). The "with dental school" group had a significantly higher pretest score in DE literacy than the "without dental school" group. There is a significantly positive linear relationship between the frequency of watching videos and the posttest score. The effect size was 1.03 and 0.8 for COVID-19 and DE, respectively. The majority of students agreed (agree and very agree) with all statements regarding video education.

CONCLUSIONS

 The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 and DE increased from 5.30 to 6.75 and 6.58 to 8.02, respectively. The associated factors were the type of university and the frequency of watching videos. Educational intervention seems to have a great effect in increasing the knowledge of nondental students.

The Knowledge and Awareness of Medical Emergencies and Management among Dental Students

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.

Genetic polymorphisms are associated with alterations in anxiety levels and vital signs in patients undergoing third molar extractions

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between SLC6A4 (rs1042173 and rs3813034), DRD2 (rs6275 and rs6276), ANKK1 (rs1800497), and COMT (rs174675) genetic polymorphisms and alterations in anxiety levels and vital signs in individuals undergoing third molar extractions.

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred sixty-eight individuals were evaluated at the pre-, trans-, and postoperative periods by checking systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Buccal mucosa cells were collected for genetic evaluation using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

The level of anxiety was associated with rs1800497 for STAI-Trait (P = .031) and rs174675 for STAI-State (P = .007). Considering the vital signs, there was a significant difference between the values of respiratory rate and rs1042173 (P = .029), rs3813034 (P = .024), and rs6275 (P = .025). The diastolic blood pressure values differed significantly for rs1042173 (P = .042), and the body temperature values differed significantly for rs174675 (P = .016).

CONCLUSIONS

Polymorphisms in SLC6A4, DRD2, ANKK1, and COMT genes could be associated with alterations in anxiety levels and vital signs in individuals undergoing third molar extractions.

Emergency medical care in dentistry: A cross sectional analysis of competencies for undergraduate students

Background:

The possibility of a medical crisis, albeit a relatively uncommon occurrence in a dental practice, is often overlooked and it is imperative that dental practitioners equip themselves with the knowledge and skills essential to manage potentially life-threatening situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and competency levels of dental undergraduate students training across universities in the UAE in basic life support (BLS) and medical emergencies in a dental setting.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted and 411 students undergoing clinical training (4^th and 5^th year of dental school) voluntarily participated in this study. The questionnaire comprised questions related to commonly occurring medical emergencies that they may have encountered in a dental setting. Data collected were then tabulated and subjected to descriptive statistical analysis.

Results:

More than half of the respondents (55.2%) reported that they had lower confidence in handling medical emergencies, with 54.7% claiming that they had not received training on the subject during their undergraduate course. Majority of the respondents (216) reported that they would only choose to record vital signs if the medical history of the patient was indicative of an underlying condition.

Discussion:

Findings from the present study strongly mandate the inclusion of training for BLS and medical emergencies in the existing dental curriculum to equip graduate dental practitioners to handle a medical crisis in their dental practice.

Practice with confidence: Analyzing confidence level of final year dental students from four Saudi dental colleges in Riyadh

Objective

To investigate the confidence level of final year dental students in Riyadh.

Materials

Cross-sectional study was conducted at four dental colleges in Riyadh (N = 312, 220 and 70,5% responded). Oneway ANOVA and post hoc Tukey-Kramer was used.

Results

The greatest self-reported confidence scores were for pit fissure sealent (4.6(0.7)). Whereas, students reported least confidence in conducting surgical extractions (2.7 (1.2)). Females were found more confident in conducting preventive resin restorations, oral hygiene instructions, and rubber dam placement as compared to male who were more confident in surgical extraction, copy dentures, veneer preparation and managing orthodontic emergencies.

Conclusion

All students were confident in performing essential dental procedures however higher confidence was observed in performing simple procedures compared to more complex ones.

Medical Emergency Resource Allocation Model in Large-Scale Emergencies Based on Artificial Intelligence: Algorithm Development

Background

Before major emergencies occur, the government needs to prepare various emergency supplies in advance. To do this, it should consider the coordinated storage of different types of materials while ensuring that emergency materials are not missed or superfluous.

Objective

This paper aims to improve the dispatch and transportation efficiency of emergency materials under a model in which the government makes full use of Internet of Things technology and artificial intelligence technology.

Methods

The paper established a model for emergency material preparation and dispatch based on queueing theory and further established a workflow system for emergency material preparation, dispatch, and transportation based on a Petri net, resulting in a highly efficient emergency material preparation and dispatch simulation system framework.

Results

A decision support platform was designed to integrate all the algorithms and principles proposed.

Conclusions

The resulting framework can effectively coordinate the workflow of emergency material preparation and dispatch, helping to shorten the total time of emergency material preparation, dispatch, and transportation.

Psychometric Analysis of the European Medical Risk-Related History Questionnaire within Indonesian-Speaking Population

OBJECTIVES

Medical complications during dental treatment are increasingly anticipated because advances in medical treatment have prolonged life expectancy. Therefore, a thorough analysis of medical history data to assess the medical risks that may occur before, during, and after dental procedures is required. The European Medical Risk-Related History (EMRRH) questionnaire has been used in 10 European countries to detect medical problems and determine the risks of complications. However, no similar questionnaire has been developed for Indonesian patients. This study aimed to develop an Indonesian version of the EMRRH questionnaire and analyze its psychometric properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The EMRRH questionnaire was utilized and processed for cross-cultural adaptation according to the Beaton guidelines. The final version was used after completing all of the steps of cross-cultural adaptation. The psychometric property analysis was performed by measuring the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of the questionnaire in 172 dental patients using cross-sectional survey at the National Drug Rehabilitation Center.

RESULTS

The content validity was first measured by an internist and anesthesiologist, and the coefficient was 0.91. The construct validity assessment revealed significant associations for five of six global questions (P < 0.05). Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.790. The test-retest reliability results were excellent based on reevaluation in 17 patients (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.846), including sensitivity and specificity values of 69.31% and 92.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Indonesian version of the EMRRH questionnaire is valid, reliable, sensitive, and specific for this population. Further study to explore its use in larger Indonesian populations is needed.

Simulation-Based Medical Emergencies Education for Dental Students: A Three-Year Evaluation

This aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a simulation program for dental students to supplement a lecture-based medical emergencies course. Students' self-reported knowledge, experience, confidence, and ability regarding medical emergencies were assessed as program outcomes. For three years (in 2014, 2015, and 2016), all second-year students (N=333) at one U.S. dental school were randomly assigned to groups of 15 and participated in 15 simulated clinical scenarios. All students completed a 21-item pre-post survey and rated their knowledge, experience, and confidence using simulated emergencies. Following the intervention, students' ability to complete critical actions was also peer-assessed using a ten-item checklist. Four open-ended questions were included on the post-intervention survey for acquisition of additional data. For all years, students' self-reported measurements significantly improved with high practical impact (p≤0.001, g=|0.62, 3.93|), with the exception of calling 911 (knowledge). Peer-rated performance indicated the students were deficient (<75% success) in the following: inhaler use, dose of local anesthetic, dose of epinephrine, and EpiPen use. Content analysis of students' comments pointed to areas that need improvement but found high satisfaction with the program. These findings indicate that this program improved students' knowledge, experience, and confidence using simulated medical emergencies.

Medical emergencies in dental practice - management requirements and international practitioner proficiency. A scoping review

The management of medical emergencies is widely considered a requisite skill for all dentists. Timely intervention of an emergency can significantly alter the outcome for a patient's morbidity and possible mortality. This scoping review examines the prevalence of medical emergencies in dental practice, as well as dentists' attitude, confidence, and competence, of medical emergency management within a dental setting. Key findings include a lack of preparedness towards medical emergencies, despite a universal recognition of the importance and desire to improve key medical skills.