The middle of last month I received and official looking letter in the mail from the State of Washington telling me that I had to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) in my office by March 1st of this year (that’s about 2 weeks notice--pretty typical of Washington State’s legislative process for dental regulation).  Every dentist who uses any type of anesthesia, even topical anesthetic—like Ambesol, will need to comply, making dental offices in Washington the second private industry in the state to be required to have AEDs--behind commercial airplanes.  Of course, you know what happens next; every dentist, from Aberdeen to Zillah, tries to purchase an AED.   And because there is a larger demand than supply, we are all waiting for our units to be shipped.  I will quit whining now and tell you the good news.

AEDs save lives.  When someone goes into cardiac arrest (their heart suddenly stops beating completely) or they experience atrial fibrillation (rapid, irregular and inadequate heart contractions), an AED can help get their heart beating properly again.  All trained first responders, like firefighters and paramedics, carry a defibrillator for emergency use.  Now defibrillators are available and safe for non-healthcare professionals to use, because they are automatic, simple to use and also prompt the aid-giver with directions. Many CPR and Basic Life Support courses now teach the use of AEDs, including the class that I completed just last week.

Most casinos in Las Vegas are equipped with AEDs, as well as video surveillance.  This may be why the survival rate for cardiac arrest in Las Vegas is a whopping 78%.  Don’t collapse in New York City—you’ll only have a 7% chance of survival.  The Greater Seattle area is better, at 45%, and now will surely improve with the increase availability of AED units.

I hope I never need to use my new AED unit, but it will be there if I do-- along with my oxygen tank, stethoscope and first aid kit medicine kit.  Those items help me remember that, although I’m in business to save teeth, those teeth are attached to a person who is much more valuable than any of his or her teeth, and, if given the chance to save somebody’s life, I will be prepared and eager to help.  Keep smiling!

Keep smiling!

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Caron Nelson Glickman, DDS has been helping her patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles in Duvall since 1992.

          For more information, contact 425-788-1551.

          Caron Nelson Glickman,DDS
          26425 NE Allen Street, #102 • Duvall
          425-788-1551 • caronnelson@comcast.net
          www.great-smile.com