The Important Role of an AED in a Dental Practice

In any dental or medical setting, being prepared for an emergency is a top priority.To that end, Great Lakes Dental goes to great lengths to procure the appropriate technology to address medical issues that patients might experience while in our care. We would like to discuss the important role that an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) plays in a dental setting, and why we have chosen to purchase an AED and train our staff on how to respond to medical emergencies.

Addressing Rare Medical Risks

We must begin by stating that a medical emergency in a dental office setting is a rare occurrence. There is always a risk that an unexpected medical issue could arise while a patient is visiting his or her dentist. That is why we provide the proper equipment and training to respond to the unlikely event of a medical crisis. Taking care of our patients is always our top priority, and is a responsibility that our staff takes to heart, our patients are like our family, after all.

What is an Automated External Defibrillator?

An AED is a piece of equipment that can save lives. These relatively compact devices that deliver a controlled electric pulse that can restart a patient's heartbeat and restore the heart's natural rhythm. If a patient experiences a heart attack or other type of heart failure, having an AED on hand can make the difference between life and death. These devices are also simple and easy to use, and built-in safety measures allow the devices to detect the presence of a heartbeat, which reduces the risk of an unnecessary electric shock. Simply put, having an AED on site can save lives.

Are All Dental Staff Certified in CPR?

All Great Lakes Dental staff are CPR certified, and receive ongoing training and undergo recertification every two years. We are trained to provide CPR to adults, children and even infants. That training is an important element of our overall patient safety planning, and is something that we are proud of. While a medical emergency is a rare occurrence, we feel confident that our team has the skills and training needed to provide basic emergency response if such an event should occur. We understand that our patients trust us to provide top quality dental services in a safe environment, and we pride ourselves on exceeding those expectations.