This educational simulation is designed to train dental hygiene students to recognize and manage medical emergencies that may occur in a dental clinic setting. Using a high-fidelity human patient simulator (SimMan®), learners participate in a structured scenario involving a simulated patient presenting with potential emergencies such as myocardial infarction, allergic reaction, stroke, asthma attack, or hypoglycemia. Students assess the patient, identify the emergency, implement appropriate interventions using the dental clinic emergency kit, and coordinate team responses including contacting clinical faculty and emergency medical services. The activity emphasizes rapid assessment, proper use of emergency equipment, teamwork, and post-event reflection through a facilitated debriefing session.
Target Learners
- Dental hygiene students participating in clinical training
- Pre-licensure dental hygiene learners preparing for patient care in clinical settings
- Students who have already completed foundational instruction in medical emergencies and clinic emergency protocols
Equipment Needed
Simulation Equipment
- SimMan® or equivalent human patient simulation mannequin
- Male patient clothing and props (shirt, pants, shoes, socks, optional wig or glasses)
- Patient chart and documentation forms
Clinical Assessment Tools
- Stethoscope
- Protective gloves (latex or nitrile)
- Mask
Dental Clinic Emergency Kit Contents
- Oxygen mask
- CPR mask and CPR board
- Nitroglycerin
- Epinephrine auto-injector (0.3 mg)
- Bronchodilator inhaler (albuterol)
- Antihistamine (diphenhydramine tablets and injectable form)
- Glucose tablets (10 g)
- Aspirin (81 mg tablets)
- Alcohol wipes
- Protein bar (e.g., Luna® bar)
Additional Materials
- Patient documentation and emergency paperwork
- Pencil (required for clinic simulation)
Estimated Time to Complete the Activity
- Scenario simulation: 15–20 minutes
- Debriefing session: 15–20 minutes
- Total activity time: approximately 30–40 minutes, not including pre-reading or preparatory assignments.