About this course
Free course - no card required
Dental staff have an obligation to ensure they are trained in the management of medical emergencies, and updated regularly.
This free course is a GDC Highly Recommended CPD Topic (Medical Emergencies).
This course is relevant to the whole dental team.
CPD Time: 2 hours (2 CE Credits)
Customer feedback on this course
- Very comprehensive and well-explained topics.
- Good easy to understand course, great refresher.
- I loved this module, it was very clear and concise and informative.
- Excellent resource, the videos really bring the theory to life and aid learning and concentration.
- Very thorough, easily followed and simplified advice for emergencies.
Assessment: 12 MCQs. Pass mark 75%. more…
On passing the assessment you will immediately receive a GDC-recognised Enhanced CPD Certificate.
Access: You will have access for 12 months, and can take the course as often as you wish in this period.
Aim
The aim of the learning and teaching materials in this Verified Learning course is to allow learners to develop their professional knowledge, understanding and competence in medical emergencies, in line with their identified personal learning requirements.
Course objective
• to help the learner recognise and manage the variety of medical emergencies that may arise both within and outside the Practice
Anticipated learning outcomes:
The learner will:
• know of and understand the various medical emergencies that might arise in and out of dental practice.
• recognise the signs and symptoms of different types of medical emergencies.
• know about and be able to undertake their management.
• know how the risks of a medical emergency occurring can be reduced for individual patients.
• through achieving these outcomes, provide an improved level of service to their patients.
GDC Development Outcomes
A B C D
Learning content:
Essential Drugs Kit | Assessment of the Sick or Unconscious Patient | Syncope (Fainting) | Allergies | Anaphylaxis | Asthma | Seizure | Diabetic Emergencies | Adrenal Insufficiency/Crisis | Course Completion
View full course description
Non-Cardiac Medical Emergencies
Course Description
Essential Drugs Kit
A comprehensive guide to the emergency drugs required in every dental practice. This section covers essential drugs like Glyceryl Trinitrate, Adrenaline, and Midazolam, detailing their use in managing various medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis and asthma attacks.
Assessment of the Sick or Unconscious Patient
Learn how to assess and manage patients who show signs of illness or collapse using the DRABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) method. This section teaches the key steps to stabilise the patient and when to initiate CPR.
Syncope (Fainting)
This section explains syncope, or fainting, which is often triggered by stress or sudden changes in posture. It covers the warning signs, precautions, and management techniques, such as laying the patient flat and raising their legs to restore blood flow.
Allergies
Look at common dental-related allergies, including reactions to chlorhexidine, latex, and antibiotics. Learn how to recognise allergic reactions early and manage them effectively in the dental setting to prevent escalation.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate action. This section covers the signs, symptoms, and emergency management, including the administration of adrenaline and oxygen, as well as the necessary aftercare.
Asthma
Understand the causes and management of asthma attacks, which are characterised by airway constriction. Learn how to provide relief using a Salbutamol inhaler and oxygen, and when to call for emergency assistance during a severe attack.
Seizure
Seizures can occur unexpectedly in patients with epilepsy or other triggers. This section outlines the types of seizures and provides steps for managing a tonic-clonic seizure, from protecting the patient from injury to administering Buccal Midazolam during prolonged episodes.
Diabetic Emergencies
This section focuses on managing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in diabetic patients, a common emergency in dental practices. Learn to recognise the symptoms and administer oral glucose or an intramuscular glucagon injection as needed.
Adrenal Insufficiency/Crisis
Adrenal insufficiency can lead to life-threatening adrenal crises, especially in patients taking long-term steroids. This section covers how to identify and manage such crises, including the administration of hydrocortisone and calling for emergency assistance.
Course Completion
Participants will take a multiple-choice exam and receive a GDC-compliant CPD certificate upon passing. The course emphasises practical steps for managing non-cardiac medical emergencies to ensure patient safety in dental practice.
You can copy and adapt this example PDP entry for your own needs and circumstances. The format complies with GDC guidance on PDP structure.
| PDP Learning or Maintenance need |
| Non-cardiac medical emergencies |
| How does this relate to my field of practice? |
| I must be prepared for the risk of medical emergencies both in and out of the practice |
| Which development outcome(s) does it link to? |
| A B C D |
| What benefit will this have to my work? |
| Perform tasks that may be required and expected in my profession. |
| How will I meet this learning or maintenance need? |
| Take the Verified Learning course on Non-cardiac medical emergencies |
| When will I complete the activity? |