Updated for 2024!

The ADA has upgraded this course with expanded learning content and a more user-friendly experience, featuring additional on-the-job resources and lesson videos from Dentist Anesthesiologist Andrea Fonner, D.D.S.

Managing Sedation Complications — a two-part course, presented by the ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure — is tailored for dentists and dental teams who provide minimal and moderate sedation to adult patients.

Part I reviews critical aspects of preparation and prevention of sedation emergencies.

Part II reviews the recognition and management of sedation complications with a particular emphasis on airway management techniques.

You will earn 5 CE credits upon completion of this course.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

Describe qualities of leadership of the in-office dental sedation team
Understand the sedation continuum and recognize the important differences among minimal, moderate and deep sedation in terms of clinical characteristics and influence on patient responsiveness, airway management, and respiratory and cardiovascular function
Describe essential features of preoperative assessment for patients undergoing dental treatment with sedation
Identify principles of patient monitoring requirements for moderate sedation
Discuss the important aspects of an effective emergency kit
Explain proper airway management during sedation
Discuss the proper use of devices for oxygenation and ventilation
Describe the pathogenesis, recognition and appropriate management of possible complications associated with moderate sedation, including essential pharmacology of emergency drugs that may be required

Course Outline

Part I: Preparation and Prevention
Lesson 1: Patient Safety, Leadership Skills and Teamwork
        Lesson 2: Presedation Patient Assessment
        Lesson 3: Respiratory Monitoring
        Lesson 4: Emergency Kit

    Assessment (Lessons 1-4)

    Part II: Recognition and Management of Sedation Complications
        Lesson 5: Primary Assessment
        Lesson 6: Supplemental Oxygenation
        Lesson 7: Positive Pressure Ventilation
        Lesson 8: Management of Respiratory Depression
        Lesson 9: Management of Airway Obstruction
        Lesson 10: Nausea and Vomiting/Aspiration
        Lesson 11: Cardiovascular Considerations
        Lesson 12: Ten Minutes Saves a Life! Emergency Manual and Application

Part IV: Summary
Lesson 13: Course recap and summary

Assessment (Lessons 5-12)