Overview of conscious sedation for primary dental care

Effective control of pain and anxiety is an essential part of dental practice. Dental anxiety can act as a major barrier to the receipt of dental care, affecting both adults and children. The UK Adult Dental Health Survey reported that up to 45% of adults claimed fear was their reason for non-attendance at the dentist.1 Simple behavioural management techniques are used to effectively treat the majority of dental patients, however, where these have not been effective or are inappropriate, the use of conscious sedation may provide a safe and effective management option, with minimal physiological and psychological stress to the patient.2.