Sedation in the Dental Office: An Overview
Moderate Sedation

Moderate sedation is a drug induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation (e.g., open, close...). No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. In this state, the reflex response to pain is not considered purposeful.

• Educational Requirements for Moderate Enteral (i.e., Oral) Sedation
  In addition to the nitrous oxide/oxygen course described under minimal sedation, the dentist must complete a minimum of 24 hours of didactic instructions as well as 10 adult clinically oriented cases that include 3 live clinical cases. The dentist should also demonstrate competency in airways management, i.e., be BLS and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or complete a course designed for management of sedation emergencies.


• Educational Requirements for Moderate Parenteral (i.e., Intravenous) Sedation
  The clinician must complete a minimum of 60 hours of didactic instructions and document competency based on having successfully completed 20 live clinical cases as well as competency in airway management, i.e., be BLS and ACLS certified or complete a course designed for management of sedation emergencies.