Sedation in the Dental Practice: An Overview
Deep Sedation and General Anaesthesia

Deep sedation is a drug induced loss of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway and positive pressure ventilation may be required. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.

General anaesthesia is a drug induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired, often requiring assistance in maintaining a patent airway. Positive pressure ventilation may be required. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.

• Educational Requirements for Deep Sedation and General Anaesthesia
  Dentists desiring to provide deep sedation and/or general anaesthesia in their offices should be trained in an accredited post-graduate residency program such as those in oral and maxillofacial surgery or dentist anaesthesiologist programs and show competence in deep sedation or general anaesthesia.