The safe practice of intravenous sedation in dentistry

All clinicians who administer intravenous sedation should undergo appropriate training according to recognised guidelines. Such guidelines are now established in New Zealand through the joint endeavours of the New Zealand Dental Association, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. It is essential that there be acceptable staff training and experience, that physical facilities and arrangements for emergency care are adequate, and that parameters for patient selection are adhered to. Adequate knowledge of pharmacology and the therapeutic indications for specific sedative drugs is necessary, and sedation procedures must be undertaken with appropriate monitoring. There are significant medico-legal aspects to this area of dental practice and these should be well recognised by all practitioners.