Simulation of medical emergencies in dental practice: development and evaluation of an undergraduate training programme.
BACKGROUND
The evidence available suggests that many dentists on graduation do not feel competent managing medical emergencies; a problem requiring improved undergraduate training. This study developed a comprehensive simulation based training programme for final year undergraduate dental students and assessed student attitudes towards training.


METHODS
Final year dental students (n = 52) from The University of Melbourne were required to complete simulation training incorporating an interactive tutorial and realistic, simulated emergency scenarios conducted in the students' real clinical environment. A post-participation questionnaire utilizing a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) assessed student attitudes.


RESULTS
Student responses supported simulation training, evidenced by the following selected questionnaire responses: achieved greater confidence in managing emergencies 4.65 ± 0.48 (n = 52); prefer lecture to simulation 1.46 ± 0.74 (n = 52); simulation training is important in undergraduate teaching 4.86 ± 0.35 (n = 43).


CONCLUSIONS
Realistic simulation training in management of medical emergencies for dental students is an effective adjunct to traditional lecture style teaching. Given the importance of this subject, this mode of training would benefit students if incorporated into undergraduate dental courses.
Rural Health Academic Centre, The University of Melbourne, Victoria. jnewby@unimelb.edu.au
J P
JP
Newby
J
J
Keast
W R
WR
Adam
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000193:education; D003479:Curriculum; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D004630:Emergencies; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D006801:Humans; D016544:Patient Simulation; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires