The feasibility of office-based propofol sedation for dental care in patients with intellectual disability by sedation practitioners.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Sedation Practitioner, Division of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Hermanus H B
HH
Vaessen
Division of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Antonius N J
AN
Schouten
Dentist, Department of Dentistry, Abrona Intramural Care Unit, Sterrenberglaan 6, Huis ter Heide, The Netherlands.
Henriette
H
van der Hoeve
Clinical Professor, Department of Dentistry, Abrona Intramural Care Unit, Sterrenberglaan 6, Huis ter Heide, The Netherlands.
Johannes T A
JT
Knape
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016854:Dental Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055986:Vital Signs
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D015742:Propofol
dental care; intellectual disability; propofol sedation