Course Overview
This course provides dental nurses with a thorough understanding of sedation in dentistry, including the principles of conscious sedation, the types used in UK primary dental care, patient assessment, monitoring, and aftercare. It also covers professional responsibilities, safety protocols, and regulatory standards, ensuring that dental nurses can work confidently and competently within the sedation team.
Aims
- To equip dental nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to assist safely and effectively in sedation procedures.
- To ensure adherence to national clinical, legal, and professional standards for sedation.
- To promote patient safety through accurate monitoring, effective communication, and structured protocols.
Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define conscious sedation and explain its purpose in dentistry.
- Identify the main types of sedation used in UK primary dental care and their benefits, limitations, and contraindications.
- Outline the dental nurse’s responsibilities before, during, and after sedation.
- Describe key patient preparation steps, including pre-sedation instructions.
- Recognise possible complications and appropriate responses.
- Identify the regulatory bodies and training requirements for sedation practice.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, dental nurses will be able to:
- Support the safe delivery of sedation in line with IACSD, CQC, and GDC standards.
- Perform accurate patient observations and recognise when to escalate concerns.
- Communicate effectively with patients to prepare them for sedation and ensure they understand aftercare instructions.
- Maintain clear, accurate, and compliant treatment records.
- Apply best practice in equipment preparation, safety checks, and team coordination.
GDC Development Outcomes:
A, C
Review Date:
January 2027
