Adult oral sedation in California: what can a dentist do without a special permit or certificate from the Dental Board of California?
Merin, R.L.
Journal of the California Dental Association 34(12): 959-968
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1043-2256 PMID: 17260520 Document Number: 600327
A significant percentage of patients are fearful of dental procedures, and this has not changed significantly over the past 50 years. Apprehensive patients tend to avoid necessary dental treatment, and their quality of life is compromised in the long term. This article discusses the use of zaleplon, triazolam, and lorazepam to provide oral sedation for apprehensive adult dental patients. Patient evaluation, pharmacology, and selection based on duration of the ental procedure are discussed. Dentists can use the practical protocols and sample prescriptions provided in this article without obtaining special permits r certificates from the Dental Board.