SAAD Digest 

September 2025
Volume: 41
Issue: 2
DOI:  10.63507/MBMK7955

Title: The attitudes of doctors and dentists to the use of oral sedatives to control anxiety in minor surgical, imaging and dental surgery

Author(s):  R. Emanuel, B. Raveendran, S. Turkistani, M. Asbury, J. Pateman, P. Patel

Abstract: 
Introduction
Dental surgery is a cause of anxiety for many patients as are certain medical procedures. To alleviate anxiety for patients, a small dose of oral sedative can be used. This use, however, will be affected by perceived benefits and barriers to their use. 

Aim
The aims of this study were to:

1. Explore the attitudes and practices of both dental and medical practitioners regarding using oral sedatives in their day-to-day practice
2. Develop a questionnaire based on the qualitative data to be used in planned future quantitative research.

Methods
Qualitative research methodology using semi structured interviews.

Results
A total of 16 practitioners were interviewed (eight doctors and eight dentists).
Several themes and sub-themes emerged including similarities and differences between prescribing patterns. The results showed their use was considered advantageous to both groups, but their use was limited to certain circumstances only and routine use was only for very select cases. The barriers to their use were different for both groups but in general they both reported subjective and practical barriers.

Conclusion
Both professional groups occasionally use oral sedatives to aid in anxiolysis.

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Articles from Digest 41(II)