In-office Conscious Sedation

By Nathan Reynolds, DDS

Q: I am thinking about giving conscious sedation (other than nitrous oxide/oxygen) in my office as an option for treating certain patients because of apprehension and/or complexity of treatment. What do I need to do?

A: In order to provide conscious sedation in Colorado, you must earn the proper credentials and become certified by the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners. You will need to review the entire Anesthesia Section of the Dental Practice Law to determine how you can qualify because there are various options. Pay special attention to the State Board's definition of conscious sedation. Keep in mind the route of administration is not an issue because conscious sedation can be accomplished with a combination of oral/intravenous/and nitrous oxide. Contact your malpractice carrier to see what must be done to make sure you are properly covered.