In the dynamic environment of a dental office or surgery center, the ability to swiftly and effectively respond to adverse events is paramount. The nature of sedation necessitates not only individual competence but also a well-coordinated team effort. Recognizing this, ASA and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA) have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration. This partnership aims to elevate the standard of care and safety within dental practices, particularly those that administer moderate or deep sedation.

When choosing training practices, the needs of the entire team must be considered and evidence sought for best teaching outcomes. Team-based rehearsal in the form of simulation has garnered support in the literature for its ability to share a crisis resource management mindset and protocols (Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2019;52:995-1003; Surg Clin North Am 2017;29:169-78). Engagement of all learners with rehearsal of closed-loop communication and clear role delineation are essential for developing a shared mental model and to create a culture of safety and safer systems (Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med 2023;42:101262). In addition, the use of cognitive aids is strongly encouraged, and debriefing should take place after all simulated or real incidents (Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med 2023;42:101262).

At the heart of this initiative is the innovative Ten Minutes Saves a Life!® application, designed to be a cornerstone in the management of emergencies as well as a beneficial method to train dental teams. It offers an interactive platform that can be used as a cognitive aid during a crisis event, but also serves as an essential learning tool and resource guide.

The ASA and ADSA have joined forces to create comprehensive learning modules to guide dentists and their teams in leveraging the Ten Minutes Saves a Life! app for practical, hands-on emergency drill practice.

The course contains 11 online modules and an introductory module. Each is crafted to foster a team-based approach to learning. Participants begin by jointly reviewing patient history and the care plan, then a patient crisis unfolds, challenging the team to apply their knowledge and skills in real time.

A distinct feature of this course is its integration with the Ten Minutes Saves a Life! app, which serves as a cognitive aid during emergency management simulations. Teams are prompted to consult the app, adhering to its protocols to navigate the crisis effectively. This interaction not only enhances decision-making skills but also familiarizes the team with a vital resource that can be pivotal in actual emergency situations.

Following the resolution of the simulated crisis, the course emphasizes the importance of a structured debriefing session. This component is crucial for consolidating learning, allowing the team to dissect the event, understanding the rationale behind each decision, and identifying areas for improvement. The option to revisit and refine action steps reinforces the learning process, ensuring that teams are better prepared for future emergencies.

The online nature of the course ensures that it can be seamlessly integrated into the team’s routine, allowing flexibility to schedule with the maximum number of team members present without interfering with patient care schedules.

Ten Minutes Saves a Life! co-developers and primary module authors Jason Brady, DMD, and Andrea Fonner, DDS (both dentist anesthesiologists) debuted the recently completed learning modules at the March 2024 ADSA/International Federation of Dental Anesthesiology Societies conference. The course received excellent feedback from the international audience and received interest from dental schools considering implementing the modules into their curriculum.

An increasing number of states are requiring offices to conduct routine crisis management training sessions to maintain anesthesia and sedation permits. The Ten Minutes Saves a Life! learning modules may be eligible to satisfy state requirements for continuing education training.

The course is available at no charge for ADSA members and offers up to six hours of continuing education credit. ADSA members can access the Ten Minutes Saves a Life learning modules via the On-Demand CE portal at adsahome.org.

We wish to highlight the opportunity and uniqueness of this collaboration between ASA and ADSA. We face similar problems and share the same goals of patient safety, comfort, and facilitated sedation to enhance the patient experience. Both organizations are committed to advancing the practice of anesthesiology through innovation in quality and safety, promoting research to foster the delivery of safe care, education of our members, and maintaining communities of thought partners for best practices and attainment of goals.