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Assessment of the clinical readiness, knowledge and attitude, regarding Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skill among dentists of Saudi Arabia

dentistry
emergency-and-critical-care
science-and-medical-education
healthcare-services

Abstract

Background: Medical emergencies in dental settings can arise unexpectedly and demand prompt, skilled management. Dentists are often the first responders; therefore, competence in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is essential. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and clinical readiness regarding BLS and CPR among dentists in Saudi Arabia and identify factors associated with preparedness and confidence in managing medical emergencies.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 licensed dentists from public and private sectors across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a validated, self-administered online questionnaire comprising four sections: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and clinical readiness. Binary logistic regression analyses identified predictors of good knowledge and confidence in performing CPR, adjusting for age, gender, designation, experience, workshop attendance, and previous emergency encounters.

Results: Overall, 26.0% demonstrated good knowledge, 41.0% moderate, and 33.0% low knowledge. Attendance at a BLS/CPR workshop within the last five years (OR = 4.91; 95% CI: 2.60–9.24; p < 0.001) and prior emergency encounters (OR = 12.97; 95% CI: 6.99–24.06; p < 0.001) were strong predictors of good knowledge. Confidence in performing CPR was associated with recent workshop attendance (OR = 6.93; 95% CI: 4.19–11.46; p < 0.001), while male gender showed lower confidence (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.37–0.93; p = 0.023). Only 44.5% reported clinic-level emergency protocols, and 7.5% had an automated external defibrillator.

Conclusion: Dentists in Saudi Arabia exhibit positive attitudes but insufficient knowledge and confidence regarding BLS/CPR. Regular refresher training, simulation-based education, and enforcement of clinic-level emergency preparedness are essential to enhance patient safety and professional competence.

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