[Medical accidents in the dental practice. Survey of 471 dentists in the Netherlands].

Objective: To determine frequency and nature of medical accidents in Dutch dental practice in relation to type and time of treatment, with and without the use of the MRRH; frequency and nature of the professional assistance.

Method: Dentists MRRH-users (n = 51) and control dentists (n = 420) recorded medical accidents by name, using a registration form, followed by an anonymous survey.

Results: 91 accidents were reported by name by 471 dentists. This contrasted with 300 accidents recorded by 380 dentists in an anonymous survey. No life threatening accidents were reported. Syncope and hyperventilation were frequent. Most of the accidents occurred during local anaesthesia or during treatment, as the procedure became more stressful. Two-third of the accidents could possibly have been prevented by means of a medical history. Medical assistance was requested in 6% of the cases.

Conclusion: Life threatening disorders were not reported, possible because in the Netherlands no intravenous sedation or general anaesthetic is used in general dental practice.