Table 2.

Classifications of Causes Based on Eindhoven Classification Model: Medical Version (Battles et al. 1998)¹ of Adverse Events in Dentistry with Exemplars

Classification	Responses from respondents (unweighted)
Latent Technical	Failure to ensure sterilization equipment is working properly Improper calibration of x-ray equipment Inability to access patient records across electronic health record platforms Incompatibility in digital format of x-ray images between providers during emergencies
Latent Organization	Failure to have a code cart Lack of proper staff training Failure to do comprehensive oral exams due to workflow pressures Inadequate staff training regarding sterile techniques
External-based active error	None reported
Knowledge-based active error	Failure to use proper technique in administering local anesthesia Failure to diagnose TMJ Missed open margins Failure to address root pathologies
Rule-based active error	Poor home care instructions Jumping from chair to chair with bloody gloves Failure to screen for coagulopathy problem or a bleeding problem before biopsy Failure to have three people in the room during deep sedation general anesthesia
Skill-based active error	Leaving cement in the sulcus Improper extraction technique damaging floor of mouth Biopsy samples distorted due to laser exposure preventing pathologic diagnosis Hitting an adjacent tooth in osteotomy
Patient-related other	Financial barriers interrupting sequence of treatment Failure to perform final restoration due to patient noncompliance Patient contributions (behaviors) to soft tissue damage during procedures Lost healing abutments
Unclassifiable other	Anxiety transferred to the clinician Tripping over hoses Physical abuse by provider to child Broken hand pieces during treatment