What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and clinical readiness regarding BLS and CPR in Saudi Arabia.

May 8, 2026Open Access

Assessment of clinical readiness, knowledge and attitude, regarding Basic Life Support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skill among dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia

Puntos clave

The study aims to evaluate dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and clinical readiness regarding BLS and CPR in Saudi Arabia.
Cross-sectional study conducted among 400 licensed dentists in Saudi Arabia.
Data collected through a validated online questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and clinical readiness.
Binary logistic regression analyses identified predictors of knowledge and confidence in CPR.
26.0% of participants demonstrated good BLS/CPR knowledge; 41.0% moderate knowledge; 33.0% low knowledge.
Attendance at a BLS workshop and previous emergency encounters strongly predicted good knowledge (OR = 4.91; 95% CI [2.60–9.24]; p < 0.001).
Confidence in CPR was higher with recent workshop attendance (OR = 6.93; 95% CI [4.19–11.46]; p < 0.001), while males showed lower confidence (OR = 0.59; 95% CI [0.37–0.93]; p = 0.023).

Resumen

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 evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived structural clinical readiness regarding BLS and CPR among dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia and predictors of good knowledge and confidence in performing CPR. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 licensed dentists from public and private sectors in 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% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of BLS/CPR, 41.0% had moderate knowledge, and 33.0% had low knowledge 26.0% demonstrated good 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.

Me gusta

Guardar

Ver artículo completo