Three situations require immediate treatment and should be considered true oral, dental, and maxillofacial emergencies: a rapidly spreading cellulitis or abscess, an uncontrolled bleeder, and facial injuries which can result in loss of the airway. Most conditions can be treated temporarily by palliative measures and a referral to the dentist on staff for more definitive treatment. To determine the severity of the dental problem, staff must listen to the patient's subjective complaints and administer a hands-on evaluation. 1 figure and 14 references (Author abstract modified)