A survey of in-dwelling intravenous cannula use in general dental practice

A study to ascertain the use of in-dwelling intravenous cannulae in general dental practice was performed. A self-completion questionnaire was distributed to the 149 dental practitioners registered with the Cleveland Family Health Services Authority. A total of 131 dentists (88%) completed and returned the questionnaire: 58% of practitioners were practising either general anaesthesia (GA) or intravenous sedation (IVS) and 59% of these practitioners routinely used an in-dwelling intravenous cannula to administer the anaesthetic or sedative agents. This was supervised by a medically qualified anaesthetist in 100% of GA cases and 55% of IVS cases. Sixty per cent of respondents had received didactic instruction at undergraduate level on gaining intravenous access, but 72% of these stated that the teaching had been inadequate. Seventeen per cent of the practitioners had never received formal training in gaining intravenous access. These results suggest the need for formal practical instruction in obtaining intravenous access may have to be addressed.