Course Description:
This online course qualifies for 4 hours of CE credit that is automatically issued with a digital certificate upon completion.
Sedation dentists are increasingly treating patients with complex health issues, multiple prescriptions, and psychological concerns. To protect patients and their practices, dentists must know how to correctly assess risks prior to sedation, create an informed treatment plan, and maintain accurate records throughout.
Presented by Drs. Jay Reznick, Anthony Feck, and Carol Mattox, this comprehensive three-module course emphasizes the importance of patient assessment by identifying predisposing factors such as anxiety, age-related sensitivities, and undiagnosed systemic disease. You’ll also review key steps in sedation treatment planning to mitigate risks, along with thorough documentation for safety and compliance— essential skills for all dentists.
Patient Assessment for Oral and IV Sedation
More than a mere administrative requirement, patient assessment is your primary safety mechanism in sedation dentistry. Dr. Reznick explains how a thorough clinical evaluation—including medical history, physical status, and psychological orientation—helps determine eligibility for oral or IV sedation in an outpatient setting.
Objectives:
- Address the psychology and challenges of patients who withhold important medical history information.
- Review airway anatomy and evaluation through physical examination.
- Learn clinical protocols for patients with respiratory and pulmonary disease.
- Consider dosing and NPO protocols for patients with diabetes or those taking weight loss medications.
- Understand ASA physical status and risk assessment prior to sedation.
- Review modified prophylaxis guidelines for prescribing antibiotics.
Sedation Treatment Planning
Sedation patients often have extensive dental needs, requiring careful planning to ensure safety and efficacy. Because their care can be complex, it’s important to establish a treatment sequence along with a thorough sedation workup and pre-sedation appointment. Dr. Feck reviews essential considerations—from baseline vitals and medications to responsible companions and financial arrangements.
Objectives:
- Determine sequence of treatment while factoring in patient preferences.
- Identify significant patient considerations such as age, allergies, nursing status, and nicotine use.
- Plan comprehensive consent agreements, including before-and-after instructions.
Recordkeeping & Documentation
Precise recordkeeping is essential in sedation dentistry at every level. Dr. Mattox discusses the required documentation for patients and team members and outlines steps for effective recordkeeping, including DEA requirements, IV records, and equipment tracking.
Objectives:
- Identify required informed consents and permissions prior to sedation appointments.
- Understand what must be recorded during a sedation procedure.
- Review proper dismissal protocols for sedation patients.
- Learn how to properly dispense, store, and dispose of medications in your office.
All sales are final.
Purchase of this course grants access for one year and requires an internet connection, a computer with video and audio capabilities, and in some cases, Adobe Reader to view handouts and articles.
Note: This course requires an active sedation permit or previous attendance at qualifying sedation courses, including Adult Oral Sedation Dentistry, Light Sedation (N₂O and oral sedatives), Pediatric Sedation Dentistry, Master Series – Advanced Sedation, IV Sedation Certification, or IV Sedation Recertification.
You can download this course and watch it anywhere using the DOCS App. Get it on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Watch the video and complete the quiz to earn 4 CE credits.
Scientific support and additional resources are available here.
Learn patient assessment for sedation, pharmacology of nitrous oxide and sedation with patients having respiratory diseases.
(AGD Code - Definition - Hours)
340 (Anesthesia and Pain Management) - 3.5 hours
730 (Oral Medicine, Oral Diagnosis, Oral Pathology) – 0.5 hours
Original release date: 4/15/2019
DOCS online courses are available to the purchaser for one year from date of purchase.
No refund of course tuition is available.

