1. What sepsis is — and why dentistry sees it

This series

Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. Odontogenic infection is a recognised source. This dedicated series is two 1-hour modules (2 hours). This is module 1. GDC Development Outcomes A, C and D.

Suggested study time

• Definition and why primary care misses it — 18 min
• Red flags and concerning features — 20 min
• First actions in the practice — 17 min
• Knowledge check — 5 min

Not “a bit of an infection”

People can look relatively well and still be on a steep slope. Others look dreadful with a localised abscess and are not septic. You cannot see sepsis on a radiograph alone. You look at the whole person.

Who is at higher risk

Very young, frail older adults, pregnant people, those without a spleen, chemotherapy, high-dose steroids, poorly controlled diabetes, and anyone whose immunity is impaired. Higher risk means a lower threshold to escalate — not a reason to skip examination.

Dental sources

Spreading facial cellulitis, floor-of-mouth swelling, Ludwig angina-type pictures, orbital involvement from upper infection, and neglected odontogenic abscesses. Module 2 covers those pathways. Today is recognising the unwell person.

NICE and local pathways

NICE NG51 sets a national approach to suspected sepsis. Hospitals use scoring tools; you will not run a full ICU bundle in a dental surgery. You will recognise red flags, give oxygen if trained and indicated in your emergency protocol, and get the person to emergency care without delay.