Dentist's knowledge about anaphylactic shock caused by local anesthetic agents in Ahwaz

Systemic anaphylactic shock due to injection of local anesthetic agents is one of the most urgent clinical conditions during dental procedures، although it has a very low incidence rate. The aim of this study was to assess the dentists’ knowledge about anaphylactic shock caused by local anesthetic agents and its clinical symptoms and signs. Sixty-five dentists working in their private offices or dental clinics of Ahwaz in 2012-2013 were included in this cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study. The dentists were asked to answer a questionnaire with 16 questions related to anaphylactic shock. The results were analyzed with descriptive tests and chi-squared test using SPSS 16 (α = 0. 05). The mean age of dentists was 40±5 years. More than half of the subjects (63. 1%) had selected epinephrine as the first drug in the treatment of anaphylaxis، but only 28% of the dentists preferred intramuscular route as the most effective route for epinephrine injection. There were no significant correlations between gender (p value = 0. 843)، work experience (p value = 0. 955) and academic rank of dentists and their awareness (p value = 0. 895) about anaphylactic shock. The results of the present study showed that most dentists do not have sufficient knowledge about anaphylaxis، the necessary measures and latest developments in recent years، indicating the necessity of changing attitudes toward this vital issue. It is suggested that targeted training programs be provided on the subject.