SAAD Digest 

September 2026
Volume: 42
Issue: 2

DOI: 10.63507/MONY3452

Title: Safety and patient experience of multi-drug intravenous conscious sedation in primary care dentistry: a multicentre service evaluation

Author(s): W.J. Botha, A. du Plessis, A. von Backström, A. Ashraf

Abstract:
Aims
To evaluate intravenous (IV) conscious sedation in primary care dentistry, including predominantly propofol-based multi-drug regimens, delivered by consultant anaesthetists (CA) and trained non-consultant medical sedationists (NC).

Materials and methods
A retrospective audit of 3,678 sedation records (January 2022-June 2024) captured demographics, ASA grade, sedation regimens, adverse events, and satisfaction. Outcomes were compared between CA and NC. A supplementary patient and clinician survey, under unchanged protocols, assessed perceived necessity and acceptability.

Results
Patients aged 16-93 years; most were ASA 1-2. Midazolam-propofol predominated (85%). Satisfaction was high, with 98% rating eight-ten out of ten. Desaturation events (SpO₂ <90%) occurred in 0.79%, were brief and self-limiting, mainly with longer procedures and higher ASA grades. No serious adverse events or escalation occurred. No significant CA-NC differences were identified. Supplementary survey responses from 627 patients and 67 dentists indicated high reliance on intravenous sedation services: 98.9% of patients reported that sedation had been essential to completing treatment, and 95.5% of clinicians reported that propofol-based intravenous sedation improved care.

Conclusions
IV conscious sedation, predominantly using propofol-based multi-drug regimens, was delivered safely within a structured governance framework, with high patient satisfaction and no significant differences between CA- and NC-led care.

To access this article please click here

Please note: members will need to log on to access the article.

If you have a query relating to this article please email: contact@saad.org.uk 

Click here to return to the SAAD Digest 26-II index