In this section:

Consultation on proposed updates to Medical emergencies practice standard

The Dental Council are consulting on proposed changes to the Medical emergencies practice standard.

We review the standard to ensure it is up to date and fit for purpose, and in line with similar local and international standards and guidelines.

The Council’s proposed updates to the practice standard were informed by local and international standards and guidelines, with input from subject matter experts including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council (NZRC).

We now invite all practitioners, resuscitation training providers and stakeholders to share your views to further inform the Council's decisions.

The table below highlights the main proposed changes across key areas. Further changes to the practice standard, information and explanation can be found in the consultation document. 

Dentists and dental specialists

 

·       No change to current resuscitation training requirements

·       Required additionally: pulse oximeter, and supraglottic airways (no longer optional)

·       Glyceryl trinitrate no longer required

Dentists/Dental specialists providing sedation

·      Resuscitation training requirements aligned with recently updated Sedation practice standard - CORE Immediate or equivalent that includes scenario training relevant to the management of sedation-related complications

·      Dextrose 10%, glucagon and hydrocortisone injection no longer required

·      Glyceryl trinitrate continues to be a requirement

Oral health therapists

 

Dental hygienists

 

·      No change to current resuscitation training requirements

·      Required additionally:

o   aspirin, salbutamol, glucose

o   pulse oximeter, spacer device (for salbutamol), supraglottic airways

Dental therapists

·      No change to current resuscitation training requirements

·      Required additionally:

o   salbutamol, glucose

o   pulse oximeter, spacer device (for salbutamol), supraglottic airways

Clinical dental technicians

Dental technicians who perform restricted activities[1]

Orthodontic auxiliaries

·      Change in resuscitation training requirements from CORE Immediate or equivalent to CORE Skills or equivalent that does not include oxygen delivery

·      Mouth-to-mask device required

·      Not required: oxygen, oxygen cylinder, regulator and associated equipment for delivering high flow oxygen, bag mask device with oxygen reservoir, basic airway adjuncts (oropharyngeal airways)

Dental technicians who do not perform restricted activities

·      No change to current level of resuscitation training - remains Basic life support

·      No requirement for emergency equipment or drugs (no change from current)

[1] Restricted activities include removal of a pre-loosened temporary crown and try-in of a permanent crown

Consultation document and draft practice standard 

Details are set out in our consultation document.

Submission process

Please provide your feedback by Wednesday 2 December 2026.
Submissions can be made via our online survey.
All responses will be carefully considered by the Council and submissions received will be published on our website. If you have any questions about this consultation, please contact us.