Dental core trainees’ experience of vasovagal episodes while attending the operating theatre

Vasovagal presyncope and syncope while attending operating theatres have been reported among medical trainees. However, no such studies are available in relation to dental trainees. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, preventative measures and attitudes towards these events among dental trainees. An anonymised online questionnaire was sent to all dental core trainees in the Thames Valley and Wessex regions (n = 34). Nineteen of these participated (56% response rate). Ten (53%) had experienced a presyncopal or syncopal episode. The majority had experienced an episode during a major operation. High operating room temperatures and needing to stand for a long time were reported as the most common predisposing factors (60%). Several different actions were taken to prevent further episodes, with 90% of respondents reporting that these helped. Seven trainees expressed their desire to pursue a surgical career; five of these had experienced a vasovagal event. Most (78%) felt that this would not discourage them from following a career in surgery. Seven respondents felt that there was a perceived stigma about trainees who experienced such an episode. This study revealed that operating theatre related syncope is common among dental trainees. We highlight the importance of educating trainees on preventative strategies.