SAAD Digest
March 2024
Volume: 40
Issue: 1

Title: A review of the awareness and use of airway assessment techniques in conscious sedation in dentistry
Author(s): M. Ismail, S. Nayani-Low, B. Kerr
Abstract: 

Aim
To evaluate the the understanding, proficiency, confidence with and anticipated usefulness of common airway assessment techniques when assessing patients for provision of conscious sedation amongst dental sedationists.

Methods
An online questionnaire was sent to conscious sedation providers in dentistry in the UK. The questionnaire explored current practice, use and documentation of airway assessment and information regarding airway-related complications experienced.

Results
254 responses were received. 67% routinely carried out airway assessment whilst 40% documented this finding most or all the time. The average number of airway assessment techniques known was 3.96 of 8. The most common technique known was measurement of mouth opening (71%); this was the most used, the technique participants were most confident using, and the technique found to be the most useful. 11% had experienced an incident where obstruction or hypoxia had occurred where an airway assessment could have predicted this.

Conclusions
The need for airway assessment is recognised within current guidelines and this study illustrates dentists do routinely carry out airway assessment. The technique used, documentation and level of training are varied. A uniform approach to training and the use of a formalised tool may help improve application of airway assessment in sedation in dentistry.

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Articles from Digest 40(1)