Course Overview
This course provides dental professionals with essential knowledge and practical guidance on the application of the ABCDE approach to assess and manage medical emergencies in dental practice. Structured around the Resuscitation Council UK's recommendations, the course supports systematic patient evaluation to prioritise interventions, enhance team response, and improve patient outcomes.
Aims
- To introduce the ABCDE approach and its relevance to dental emergencies.
- To build the confidence and competence of dental professionals in applying ABCDE systematically.
- To enhance patient safety through early recognition and structured response to deterioration.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define the ABCDE approach and explain its importance in clinical practice.
- Apply each step (A–E) to identify and manage life-threatening problems.
- Recognise the signs of patient deterioration and initiate immediate care.
- Identify essential emergency equipment and drugs used in ABCDE assessments.
- Understand team roles and the importance of documentation and handover using SBAR.
Learning Outcomes
- Perform a step-by-step ABCDE assessment during a dental medical emergency.
- Make informed decisions based on clinical signs observed during the ABCDE process.
- Appropriately use emergency equipment and medications available in practice.
- Collaborate effectively with the dental team and hand over to emergency services using the SBAR format.
- Demonstrate improved preparedness to handle critical patient events.
GDC Development Outcomes:
A, B, C, D
Review Date:
January 2027
