2. Traps in a normal dental day

Interruptions

The highest-risk moments are often mixing, drawing up, counting endodontic files, or confirming the tooth and side. A “sterile cockpit” is a short agreement: no non-urgent chat or phone during that step. Reception can hold the call.

Look-alike, sound-alike

Irrigants, local anaesthetic cartridges, fluoride varnishes, and impression materials. Separate, label, and never decant into an unlabelled cup. If you must use a similar bottle, make it look different on purpose (size, colour sleeve) and read the label out loud.

Two patients, similar names

Use at least two identifiers (full name and date of birth) at the chair, not only the first name shouted from the door. Confirm the treatment plan against the record before you pick up a handpiece.

Time pressure and fatigue

Running 20 minutes late makes people skip the allergy box. Build slack into emergency slots. If you are exhausted, say so and slow the irreversible steps. Fatigue is a clinical risk, not a badge of honour.

Hierarchy

A nurse who sees the wrong tooth marked must be able to stop a principal. “Stop” is a professional act. Principals who snap at questions teach the team to stay quiet until after the extraction.