(TC27) One Is Too Many

An adverse event is defined as an “unexpected result of a health care treatment that
leads to prolonging treatment, some type of morbidity, mortality or simply any
harm which the patient should not have suffered.” The most frequently identified
adverse events in endodontics are aspiration or ingestion; interventions at the
wrong site, incorrect procedure; and hard or soft tissue damage. These traumatic
events often mentally and physically scar patients leaving them in isolation, with
loss of trust, or fear. Traumatic dental events can create a narrative that may
negatively impact the perception of the patient at the endodontic office and/or
other sectors of medicine. The literature illustrates that dentistry as a profession has
not responded to adverse events as effectively as medical practitioners. Thus, it’s
imperative to understand clinical adverse events that occur in endodontics and find
pathways to prevent and manage them. When these events occur, consider the
importance of: communication, documentation, communication of documentation,
documentation of communication, and preservation of documentation. The purpose
of this table clinic is to present common adverse clinical events, demonstrate how
to mitigate these occurrences, and how to effectively respond when these instances
occur. Handling these events through timely, effective, compassionate, and
empathetic communication will best reflect attentiveness and professional
accountability. This communicative approach is patient-centered and abides by
ethics and morality in medicine. With this approach, clinicians can create a proper
protocol to identify threats and maintain a culture of safety for patients.