What must a dentist do if a patient has a medical emergency during treatment?

If a patient experiences a medical emergency during dental treatment, the appropriate response is to stop the procedure and call for emergency help. This action prioritizes the patient's immediate health and safety, allowing the dental team to focus on stabilizing the patient's condition. By halting the treatment, the dentist ensures that they do not exacerbate the emergency situation or cause additional harm.

Calling for emergency assistance also provides access to specialized medical care that may be required to address the emergency effectively. In dental offices, staff should be trained in handling crises, and having an emergency action plan is vital. This plan typically includes steps to take according to the type of medical emergency, which can include calling 911 or a local emergency service.

While it's essential to monitor the patient and notify the dental team, these actions should occur in conjunction with seeking immediate professional medical assistance. Continuing treatment in the face of a medical emergency can lead to complications and worsen the patient's condition, making it imperative to prioritize emergency care initially.