Level of knowledge about anaphylactic shock in students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Interamerican Open University

Introduction: Anaphylactic shock is a severe and unexpected allergic reaction that has a rapid onset and can even cause the death of the patient. Its rapid clinical diagnosis is of vital importance since it will involve the compromise of several important systems. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge about anaphylactic shock and its dental management by 4th and 5th year students of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana, School of Dentistry. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 15-question survey. First, 4th year students were surveyed before they began the Clinical and Integrated Surgery of Adults and Geriatrics II course and then, 5th year students were surveyed during the break from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology course. Results: The average general knowledge of 4th and 5th year students is low since error rates are greater than 50%. As for the first-choice medication, a high rate of incorrect answers was observed, since they did not know which one it was, but they did know the correct route of administration. As for knowledge of the university protocols, the results were poor. Conclusions: most students are unaware of the existence of the university protocols for acting in cases of emergency, although on the other hand, in general, they are aware of the existence of the first aid kit to deal with emergencies.