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The feasibility of office‐based propofol sedation for dental care in patients with intellectual disability by sedation practitioners
Author(s) -
Vaessen Hermanus H. B.,
Schouten Antonius N. J.,
Hoeve Henriette,
Knape Johannes T. A.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
special care in dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1754-4505
pISSN - 0275-1879
DOI - 10.1111/scd.12210
Subject(s) - sedation , propofol , medicine , anxiety , anesthesia , intensive care medicine , psychiatry
Background The quality of oral health care for intellectually disabled patients is a significant challenge due to behavioral issues. Intravenous propofol sedation may be useful to relieve the anxiety and fear, and make dental procedures more acceptable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of propofol sedation, by trained nonmedical sedation practitioners, during dental treatments in an office‐based setting. Methods Intellectually disabled patients (124) were subjected to restorative dental procedures and moderately sedated using intravenous propofol. Vital signs, cooperation of the patient, and sedation depth were continuously assessed. Results Propofol sedation was effective for dental treatment. All procedures resulted in a sufficient level of sedation without moderate or severe complications. Conclusion Propofol sedation can be safely and effectively performed in an office‐based setting by sedation practitioners, who have experience in propofol sedation and are trained in the care of patients with disabilities.