The role of the dentist in the emergency room.

Although most of the problems seen by the dentist in the hospital emergency room are not life-endangering, they can still cause considerable difficulty for the patient and anxiety for the doctor when not treated quickly and effectively. To manage an emergency effectively requires a prepared plan of action. Such planning must participation of the physicians, nurses, and auxiliary emergency room personnel. Since oral and maxillofacial emergencies may present unfamiliar problems to them, they must be instructed in advance about their role in proper care of such patients. Likewise, the dentist must familiarize himself with the emergency room- its operation and its facilities. Through such cooperative efforts, effective patient management will be provided no matter what unforeseen situation may suddenly arise.