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Pledges
Link 5: Emergency Drug Kit
 The list of emergency medications varies in dental offices based on the nature of the dental practice, the medical health of the anticipated clientele and complexity of services offered. All members either administering or assisting with the administration of the drugs during an adverse event must have an in-depth understanding of the associated practical uses and complications of each specific drug. A designated person shall be assigned the task of checking the inventory of medications to assure that none will expire before the next anticipated inspection. Inspections should occur at regular intervals (e.g. beginning and ending of daylight savings time). Finally, a system of First-In, First-Out use and replacement should be implemented.
HighlightsThe following seven emergency medications should be known by name and function. They are the foundational medications that are required in all dental offices. Multiple doses of each of these medications should be kept on hand at all times. Please Note: Oxygen, although technically a medication, is covered under equipment because of its heavy dependency on the related armamentarium.
An adequate number of the following syringes need to be available for the delivery of the medications via subcutaneous, intramuscular or sublingual techniques.
*Offices not routinely loading syringes are encouraged to purchase epinephrine and a pre-loaded device such as a Twin-jet or EpiPen. Please Note:Some states do not permit EMS units to carry epinephrine. Epinephrine has a short half-life and may need to be re-administered. Consequently, the inventory of epinephrine may need to be increased based on the length of time it takes for EMS to respond and transport to a hospital emergency department. |
