If a patient notifies their dentist that they have a DNR, what are the dentist’s obligations?
- DNR’s do not apply to dentists.
Do they need to have a copy of the DNR?
- Dentists can and should keep DNR copies as part of their patient records just to have a complete patient record on file.
Does the dentist need to provide their own DNR?
- Dentists cannot create or execute DNRs for any patient.
What happens if the patient goes into (for example) cardiac arrest? Does that mean no CPR, oxygen or anything?
- A dentist cannot act on a DNR and must follow all normal emergency protocols for the dental office with any patient regardless of whether the patient has a DNR. Because DNR’s do not apply to dentists at all, dentists cannot rely on DNR’s to refuse to follow emergency treatment protocols with any patient.
What happens if emergency responders come to the office?
- The dentist can and should provide a copy of the DNR to emergency personnel when they arrive at the office.