Why Dental Teams Need Advanced Emergency Training
“A patient could collapse on any premises at any time, whether they have received treatment or not. All registrants must be trained in dealing with medical emergencies, including resuscitation, and possess up-to-date evidence of capability.”
— General Dental Council, Scope of Practice (2013)
This full-day course goes beyond the minimum annual update. It gives dental teams the time, structure and hands-on practice needed to meet GDC, CQC and Resuscitation Council (UK) expectations while also achieving an HSE-recognised Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate.
Course Overview
Medical emergencies in dental practice are usually unexpected, time-critical and highly stressful. This 1-day, face-to-face course is designed to give the entire dental team the practical skills and confidence to respond safely and effectively – both inside the surgery and in the wider practice environment.
Training is delivered by experienced healthcare professionals and combines:
- Short, focused teaching sessions
- Case-based discussions
- High-fidelity simulation using manikins and practice equipment
The programme covers:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) requirements, including primary survey, management of injuries and life-threatening conditions
- Recognition and management of medical emergencies specific to dental practice
- Safe, effective use of emergency drugs and equipment, including AED, oxygen, pulse oximetry and glucometers
- Practical team-based scenarios aligned with HSE, CQC and RCUK guidance
On successful completion, participants receive:
- An Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate, meeting HSE requirements
- A Medical Emergency Management in Dental Practices certificate, demonstrating compliance with GDC and CQC expectations
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, dental team members will be able to:
- Assess and diagnose major conditions and injuries using a structured primary survey
- Recognise and manage bleeding, fractures, burns and scalds appropriate to the dental setting
- Apply a systematic A–E approach to assess, treat and prioritise casualties with a range of medical emergencies
- Lead or contribute to team / scene management, ensuring safety and clear communication
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of emergency drugs used in dental practice, including indications, doses and routes
- Use emergency resuscitation equipment safely, including oxygen delivery systems and AED
- Perform high-quality CPR on adult, child and (where appropriate) infant manikins
- Use pulse oximeters and glucometers appropriately in emergency assessment
- Demonstrate the safe use of auto-injectors and intramuscular injection technique in simulated scenarios
- Discuss and apply non-technical skills such as leadership, situational awareness and closed-loop communication
- Describe appropriate risk assessments, equipment checks and record-keeping in line with HSE and CQC guidance
Course Length:
At least 6 contact hours (1 full day)
Format
Classroom-based teaching, small-group skills stations and highly realistic team simulations
Course Assessment:
Continuous assessment of knowledge, skills and team performance
Certification:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Certificate
- Medical Emergency Management for Dental Practices Certificate
Course Structure and Programme
Training is highly practical. Participants work in small groups to assess, treat and manage simulated emergencies using their own practice equipment and emergency drugs wherever possible.
- Simulated emergencies in surgery, waiting room and reception areas
- Small-group scenario training using your own emergency kit and systems
- Risk-based learning and case-based discussions relevant to dental practice
- CPR and AED skills training and assessment
- Recognition and management of anaphylaxis and airway compromise
- Management of bleeding, trauma, choking and unconsciousness
- Emergency drug preparation, dosing and administration
- Practical team leadership and communication under pressure
All delegates receive:
- An Emergency First Aid manual
- Dental-specific medical emergency flow charts and action plans
- Templates and prompts to support practice risk assessment and equipment checks
Candidates are expected to manage patients using a structured approach, utilising the appropriate equipment and medications. All candidates will be provided with a first aid manual, medical emergency flow charts and action plans.
Medical Emergencies in Dental Practices – 1-Day Training FAQs
Yes. This course fully meets the standards set by the General Dental Council (GDC), the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and HSE for medical emergency preparedness, resuscitation training and workplace first aid. It also aligns with the latest Resuscitation Council UK guidance.
Yes. Delegates receive:
- an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate (HSE recognised), and
- a Medical Emergency Management in Dental Practices certificate.
Both can be used as evidence of competence for CPD and CQC inspection.
Absolutely. The course includes hands-on training with emergency equipment commonly found in dental practices, including: AEDs, oxygen delivery, airway adjuncts, auto-injectors, pulse oximeters and glucometers.
Yes. Scenario-based simulation is a major part of this course. Delegates will practise managing emergencies in the dental chair, reception area or waiting room using realistic manikins and practice equipment.
This course is ideal for the entire dental team, including dentists, dental Nurses, practice managers, reception staff and any team member who may need to assist during an emergency.
Yes. The resuscitation component of this programme meets RCUK recommendations for annual CPR and AED training for dental staff.
The EFAW certificate is valid for 3 years, although annual resuscitation refreshers are recommended. The Medical Emergency Management in Dentistry certificate is valid for 1 year in line with GDC guidance on maintaining annual medical emergency competence.
Yes. Many practices choose onsite delivery so the training can be tailored to their equipment, layout and emergency procedures.
Yes. Delegates receive the documentation and competencies needed to demonstrate compliance with CQC Key Lines of Enquiry relating to medical emergency preparedness.
Absolutely. The day is structured to support all experience levels, from new dental Nurses to senior clinicians. No previous medical emergency training is required.
Comfortable clothing is recommended as delegates take part in practical CPR and emergency scenarios. All training materials and equipment are provided.
Message Us — We’re Here to Help
Simply complete the form below and one of our practising healthcare professionals will be in touch shortly to discuss your training needs or answer any questions you may have.
Contact Details
Whether you’d like to discuss your training requirements, book a course, or get expert advice, our friendly clinical team would love to hear from you.
Phone: 0333 0122 999
Email: info@rcmstraining.co.uk
Resuscitation Consultancy Medical Services Ltd
86 Forest Walk
Buckley, Flintshire
CH7 3AR
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed