The Spark Study Club Podcast

Xerostomia, Opioids & Emergency Kits: Dr. Donaldson’s Guide to Safer Dentistry

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🎙️ Podcast Episode Show Notes

Episode Title:

Xerostomia, Opioids & Emergency Kits: Dr. Donaldson’s Guide to Safer Dentistry

Podcast Guest:

Dr. Mark Donaldson, PHARMD, International Speaker | Pharmacology & Medical Emergency Expert | Faculty at OHSU

Host:

Melissa Turner (@thetoothgirl) Dental Hygienist | Industry Influencer | Co-Founder of the National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference 🎧

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Melissa Turner sits down with Dr. Mark Donaldson to preview his upcoming CE webinar, "What’s In Your Emergency Kit? 7 Essential Drugs Every Dental Office Must Know." With decades of experience in pharmacy and medical emergencies, Dr. Donaldson shares crucial insights into what dental teams need to know—and do—before emergencies happen.

They discuss:

  • The 7 essential medications every dental office should have—and how to use them effectively.
  • The most common drug interaction risks affecting oral health today.
  • Why xerostomia (dry mouth) is often drug-induced and how to manage it.
  • How illicit drug use and sedation can lead to unintended medical emergencies.
  • The number one thing every dentist can do to improve patient safety (hint: update your intake forms!).

    • 💡 Key Takeaways:

    • Always prime your nitroglycerin spray—missing this step could be fatal.
    • Be an expert in the 10-12 drugs you actually use in practice.
    • Don’t overlook the power of a properly designed medical history form.
    • Patients are living longer and taking more meds—drug interactions are increasingly common.
    • Reducing dental anxiety (with TLC, local anesthetics, or sedatives) can prevent 75% of emergencies.

      • 📅 Upcoming CE Webinar:

      Title: What’s In Your Emergency Kit?

      Date: April 22 Time: 6 PM ET / 6 PM PT

      Hosted by: Spark Study Club | Sponsored by: Young Surgical & Vitalert

      Register Here

      ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for licensed dental healthcare providers only and should not be taken as medical advice. Patients seeking dental treatment should always consult with their dental healthcare provider.

      📣 Join the Club!: Stay up to date on the latest dental techniques, trends, and science-based learning by joining Spark Study Club today. Visit sparkstudyclub.com and register for your free lifetime membership!

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      The Spark Study Club PodcastBy Spark Study Club