Although rare, when medical emergencies occur in the dental setting they require a sound understanding of what action to take, to ensure that the emergency is dealt with quickly. Dental students and dental practitioners must be able to carry out first aid, including the principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its practice. They should also be able to recognise and take appropriate action in situations such as anaphylactic reaction, hypoglycaemia, upper respiratory obstruction, cardiac arrest, fits, and haemorrhage. This essential, practical guide on how to diagnose and manage medical emergencies in dentistry covers the theory behind emergency management, in conjunction with practical tips and training so that all members of the dental team are able to deal with uncommon but potentially tragic events.