Disasters and the surge environment

Authors

  • David L. Glotzer, DDS
  • Walter J. Psoter, DDS, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2006.0032

Keywords:

disaster, surge response, dental profession

Abstract

With the recent actual, and the anticipated possible, disastrous events in this country, it is an absolute duty of responsible agencies on all levels to prepare and improve the medical response system. Past experience has shown that one critical area of preparedness that needs to be addressed is the available number of trained individuals in the public health workforce that can and will respond. We propose that the dental profession, with proper additional training and integration into an organized healthcare system, can be one additional source of this much needed manpower.

Author Biographies

David L. Glotzer, DDS

Clinical Professor, Department of Cariology and Operative Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York.

Walter J. Psoter, DDS, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, New York University College of Dentistry; Associate Professor, School of Dentistry, University of Puerto Rico, New York, New York.

References

Auf der Heide E: Disaster Response: Principles of Preparation and Coordination [online book]. Center of Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance, 2005. Available at http://orgmail2.coe-dmha.org/dr/flash.htm. Accessed April 18, 2006.

Qureshi K, Gershon R, Sherman MF, et al.: Health care workers’ ability and willingness to report to duty during catastrophic disasters. J Urban Health. 2005; 82(3): 378-388.

Olson KB, Shinrikyo A: Once and future threat? Emerging Infectious Disease. 1999; 5(4): 513-517.

Steigbigel NH, Blaser MJ, Brewer K, et al.: Enhancing Medical and Public Health Capabilities During Times of Crisis: A Grant. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, 202-DT-CXK002. New York: 2005.

Glotzer D, Rinchiuso A, Rekow D, et al.: The Medical Reserve Corps—An opportunity for dentists to serve. N Y State Dent J. 2006; 72(1).

Psoter W, Glotzer D: A Summary Report on the Expansion of the Role of Dentists and their Enhancement of the Medical Surge Response. New York: NYU College of Dentistry; 2005.

Emergency System for Advanced Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals. Health Resources and Service Administrations. Available at http://www.hrsa.gov/bioterrorism/esarvhp/. Accessed November 20, 2005.

Medical Reserve Corps. Medical Reserve Corps, Office of Surgeon General. Available at http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov. Accessed January 10, 2006.

National Planning Scenarios Executive Summaries. Office of Domestic Preparedness, Homeland Security. Available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm. Accessed November 15, 2005.

Interim National Preparedness Goal. Department of Homeland Security. Available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/docs/InterimNationalPreparednessGoal_03-31-05_1.pdf. Accessed November 15, 2005.

Downloads

Published

05/01/2006

How to Cite

Glotzer, DDS, D. L., and W. J. Psoter, DDS, PhD. “Disasters and the Surge Environment”. Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 4, no. 3, May 2006, pp. 47-52, doi:10.5055/jem.2006.0032.

Issue

Section

Articles