Medical Emergencies Chart in Dental Clinics of Nineveh Province

Background: Medical emergencies, although rare in dental settings, can pose serious risks to patient safety. Prompt recognition and response are vital, especially in high-stress clinical environments. Visual aids like medical emergency charts (MECs) play a key role in enhancing preparedness and ensuring standardized responses. Objective: To assess the knowledge, preparedness, and awareness of dental practitioners in Nineveh Province regarding medical emergencies and the availability and understanding of medical emergency charts in their clinical settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 700 dentists working in Nineveh Health Directorate facilities. A structured online questionnaire, based on previously validated tools, collected data on demographics, emergency knowledge, and awareness of MECs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square tests to determine significance. Results: While participants showed moderate theoretical knowledge—100% correctly identified the syncope position and 70.4% correctly selected adrenaline for anaphylaxis—only 43.4% knew the correct CPR compression ratio (30:2). A concerning 76% were unfamiliar with MECs, and 93% reported the absence of such charts in their clinics. Additionally, only 51% of dentists felt prepared to handle medical emergencies. Professional role showed significant correlation with knowledge, whereas years of experience did not. Conclusion: There is a critical gap between dentists’ theoretical knowledge and practical preparedness in managing medical emergencies. The lack of MEC awareness and availability highlights the need for mandatory chart implementation, regular emergency training, and inclusion of visual protocols in clinical environments. Addressing these gaps is essential to uphold patient safety and meet international clinical governance standards.