SAAD Digest 

September 2025
Volume: 41
Issue: 2
DOI: 10.63507/QUJF4135

Title: Paediatric sedation in dentistry: an audit of safety, side-effects and patient satisfaction

Author(s):  C. Zhang, W J. Botha, N. Sturzenbaum

Abstract: 
Sedation in paediatric dentistry is essential for managing anxiety, pain and cooperation challenges, but it requires adherence to rigorous safety protocols to minimise risks. This audit evaluated the safety, efficacy and patient experience of intravenous (IV) sedation in paediatric dental procedures at a primary care dental practice between January 2023 and September 2024. A total of 1,000 sedation procedures were analysed, assessing patient demographics, sedation drugs (ketamine, propofol), physiological responses, adverse events and parental satisfaction. IV sedation was provided by a medically qualified and experienced practitioner with specific training in the techniques used, and with former anaesthetic experience providing crucial airway management knowledge and skills and supported by sedation-trained dentist and nurses. The facilities for sedation within the primary care setting were inspected and deemed ‘equivalent’ to provide IV sedation in line with current IACSD Standards.

Key findings include the absence of serious adverse events or escalation of care, a low incidence of oxygen desaturation events (3%), minimal recovery time variation across ASA I and II classifications and high parental satisfaction (99.9%). Minor adverse events, such as vomiting, were reported being more common in younger patients receiving higher doses of ketamine. The audit suggests that IV sedation is generally safe with a favourable patient and parental experience. However, it highlights the need for refined dosing protocols to mitigate vomiting risks and improve monitoring methods.

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Articles from Digest 41(II)