I know toothaches can sometimes feel like emergencies but are they? The mouth is a major entryway for bacteria and infection and is clearly essential for a patent airway. So how do we as nurses know which dental issues are emergencies that need to be handled right away and which ones can wait for the outpatient dental office?

In this episode Nurse Alice speaks with  Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Porchia James who talks about acute oral and dental patient issues that require immediate attention that nurses shouldn't ignore. As well Dr. Porchia discusses how she balances ER consultations, her private practice, "About Face Oral & Facial Surgery", and being owner of PHRESH by Dr. Porchia, a luxury medical apparel line., wife and mother.