Conscious sedation training received by specialist registrars in restorative dentistry in the UK: a survey

Objective To investigate conscious sedation training received by Specialist Registrars in Restorative Dentistry (SpRs) during their training programme. Design Postal questionnaire survey in the UK. Setting SpRs and recently certificated Consultants in Restorative Dentistry (CRDs). Method A questionnaire was sent to 81 current SpRs in Restorative Dentistry and CRDs who had been awarded a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training within the previous three years. One follow-up letter was sent to non-responders. Results The completed questionnaire was returned by 67 (83%) SpRs and CRDs. Analysis revealed that 44 (69%) respondents had received conscious sedation training during their specialist training programme and that 50 (78%) respondents carried out restorative dental treatment under sedation during their programme. Thirteen (20%) respondents had not received conscious sedation training in their programmes but eight (13%) SpRs indicated that sedation training was planned. Training experiences differed throughout the UK: 29 (66%) respondents gained experience in inhalational and single agent intravenous sedation techniques under the supervision of an experienced colleague. Fourteen (32%) respondents who performed sedation had not been on a resuscitation course in the previous year. These included nine (21%) current SpRs. Sixteen (53%) current SpRs intended to offer restorative dental treatment under sedation after specialist training. Fifty-nine (92%) respondents thought that all SpRs in Restorative Dentistry should receive sedation training and 42 (71%) thought that a structured core course would be the most appropriate format. Conclusions Although the majority of SpRs and recently certificated CRDs considered that all SpRs should receive training in conscious sedation via a core course during the restorative dentistry training programme, a small number had not received or planned to undertake such training. Conscious sedation training experiences differed throughout the UK and SpRs treated a wide range of deserving patient categories under sedation. It is encouraging that many SpRs hope to continue employing sedation techniques after their restorative dentistry training has finished. The results of this survey should inform all those involved with restorative dentistry training programmes.