emphasizes essential anesthesia protocols/ guidelines for the dental anesthesia assistant who is employed by dental professionals who hold anesthesia permits. A condensed version is also available online. AARC also prepares the assistant for the DAANCE examination.
The Anesthesia Assistants Skills Lab (AASL) for AAOMS allied staff provides hands-on training with anesthesia administration, airway management, dysrhythmia recogni- tion and medical emergency management. AAOMS also recently offered its members an upcoming live, in-person course on Ad- vanced Protocols for Medical Emergencies that discusses emergencies encountered in the OMS office setting and the participation of the assistant in these situations.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification provide a systemic approach to advanced resuscitation efforts through recognition and evaluation of algorithms, airway management and pharmacology ad- ministration. Local, state and national dental meetings and webinars also provide oppor- tunities for CEUs and hands-on labs skills for anesthesia administration and emergency management.
Continued development of the dental anesthesia assistant to be cognizant of basic sciences, anatomy/physiology, patient evaluation, medical concerns encompassing cardiac, metabolic, nervous, immune and pulmonary systems, drug administration, crash cart organization, emergency drills, sedation levels, airway management, equip- ment monitoring, algorithm recognition and emergency treatment protocols all warrant attention. Understanding and mastering these core competencies through practice and review should be strongly supported and encouraged by the dentist.
Training for excellence is a balancing act that takes time, commitment and dedication. Every practice that administers office-based anesthesia and sedation needs a team that is proficient in rendering this service. Recog- nizing where the dentist needs to take their team to foster this culture of excellence is mission critical. The defining moment for a team should never be a “wake up call” in an
emergency situation that they are not pre- pared for, but rather in an emergency situa- tion that is handled with calmness, expertise and professionalism.
What brings us together as a team unifies us as a practice and builds greatness as a dental organization. The stakes have never been higher and the time is now to train for excel- lence. Comprehensive training and maintain- ing superlative safety records will distinguish our efforts to promote, advance and preserve the office-based anesthesia team model. The path taken today to validate training of the dental anesthesia assistant will positively impact and influence the direction of office- based anesthesia privileges. Raising the bar by creating anesthesia training standards and protocols for your office will lead the way for successful management of office emergen- cies. Emergency preparedness and manage- ment are paramount to creating a culture of excellence for office-based anesthesia. Remember, there are no shortcuts!
The message that every dentist needs to hear from their dental anesthesia staff is appar-
ent: “We are united as a team, affirmed with leadership under your guidance and driven to reach the highest standards to deliver ex- ceptional patient care. We stand by your side as a unified dental team. We are prepared for the unexpected, confident and well-trained in the delivery of emergency care. Stay calm doctor, we’ve got this.” f
Martha Peters, CDA, has 25 years of oral and maxillofacial surgery assisting experience and is an AAOMS Allied Staff member. Martha is DAANCE, ACLS and PALS certified. She resides in Kansas City and is employed by Flack and Stone, OMS, where she is a surgical assistant for Dr. Mark Flack.
Martha also is an associate (dental team) member of the MDA. Contact her at
mdunlevypeters@gmail.com or on Twitter at @ExcellenceInOMS.
If you’re not familiar with the Missouri Dental Practice Act’s Rules and Statutes on Sedation, you may access them at
modental.org/practiceact (under Dentists, Sedation or Anesthesia Permits). Sedation application forms can be found at
pr.mo.gov/dental-application-forms. asp. Additionally, the MDA has created Sedation Permit Flowcharts to help doctors understand the necessary steps. Find these under the Frequently Asked Questions at
modental.org/faq (Sedation Permits).
Less is More.
Little Insurance Policies
With high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, health insurance doesn’t pay supplemental policies that pay in addition
Honest Answers. Practical Solutions. Personal Service.
Contact MDIS to learn about supplemental policies. 800-944-7550 or
christy@mdis4dds.com
ISSUE 2 | MAR/APR 2018 | focus 23
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