Aims & Objectives:

To provide participants with essential information on current conscious sedation practice, to ensure that their developing practice is underpinned by a strong foundation of knowledge and that they are able to apply the Conscious Sedation in Dentistry SDCEP (2017) to their practice to ensure quality of care and patient safety at all times. This on line resource is designed as an introductory module to the practical skills course which will be delivered within the trainees’ clinical setting. 

Anticipated Learning Outcomes

1) Discuss the practice of conscious sedation within the public dental service and the implications of the SDCEP Conscious Sedation In Dentoistry guidance 2017 for this dental service.

2) Discuss the complexities of obtaining consent within the context of the Public Dental Service and apply local guidelines and legislation to practice

3) Provide a thorough assessment of the patient in relation to managing dental anxiety and select the most appropriate modality of treatment

4) Critically evaluate the range of conscious sedation techniques available

5) Ensure a safe sedation environment at all times.

6) Apply the principles of safe sedation practice when treating patients including peri-operative care

Prior to attending IHS course

Prior to commencing this inhalation sedation course it is essential that you get to know with the equipment used in inhalation sedation. During the course we will refer to different parts of the equipment and apparatus, therefore it's crucial that you familiarise yourself with the workings.

You should have a clearly defined plan of how experience in IHS can be maintained (access to surgery with equipment, nursing staff, patient numbers and referral sources. 

You should observe at least three IHS cases

Identify a mentor and designate space in both diaries for mentored sessions.

Your inhalation sedation portfolio should contain the following elements; 

• SLEs for each of your 10 supervised cases
• 2-3 CEX for the pre sedation assessment appointments, therapists should replace CEX with Case Based Discussion.
• 2 Case Based Discussions, unless you are a therapist. 
• Your sedation log book

Your portfolio should be submitted to  reducing.inequalities@nes.scot.nhs.uk  in a readable electronic format making sure that all patient identifiable information is removed. 

Introduction to Dental Conscious Sedation

Maintaining Equipment

In this video David Jones will explain some of the key components and safety feature integral to your IHS equipment. Your set up locally may vary, so it is essential that your mentor explains this. Excellent information on the set up, features and maintainence scheduales for IHS equipment can be found at http://ramedical.com/info-resource/http://ramedical.com/info-resources/

Properties of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide has a number of properties which make it ideal for use in a dental setting. Here these properties are discussed, begining with what makes it safe enough to satisfy the requirements placed in the definition of conscious sedation. 

Contraindications to inhalation sedation. 

In this video Peter Walker talks about consent.