SAAD Digest 

March 2026
Volume: 42
Issue: 1
DOI: 10.63507/IFIG2959

Title: IV sedation in an Adult Dental Health Department: A single-centre two cycle audit

Author(s): Z. Ahmed, D. Parmenter, T. Friend, M. Dorri

Abstract: 

Aims

• To evaluate the sedation service provided by the Adult Dental Health department (ADH), Bristol Dental Hospital (BDH), in accordance with the Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry (IACSD) 2020 Standards
• To evaluate the efficiency of the sedation service provided for NHS priority group patients.

Methods
Retrospective data collection of 39 adult dental health patients who had intravenous (IV) sedation over a 24-month period. Data was assessed in accordance with the standards provided in IACSD 2020. NHS service evaluation factors were also assessed.

Results
Based on the IACSD standards and the SAAD safe sedation practice scheme (2023) the department was compliant with the majority of factors evaluated. One complication was recorded: an allergic reaction to a pre-operative antibiotic (Clindamycin). The average dose of Midazolam administered was 9.0 mg and the average duration of procedure was 98 minutes. 71% of patients did not have an anxiety score or alternative anxiety management options recorded. The median wait time between sedation assessment and treatment was 8.5 weeks, with COVID-19 protocols a predominant cause of delay for treatment.

Conclusion
Bristol Dental Hospital provided an efficient and safe service for IV sedation for NHS priority groups. An action plan has been devised to ensure that the service provided is in accordance with the IACSD 2020 standards. A pre-operative sedation proforma will include airway assessment and BMI. The indicator of sedation need (IOSN), anxiety questionnaire will also be made available in the department to allow anxiety assessment and discussion for alternative anxiety management options. 

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Articles from Digest 42(I)