Q. Does the GDC define the training required for a dentist to provide dental treatment for patients under sedation?

The administration of inhalation and intravenous sedation is included in the list of skills a dentist should have in the GDC's recent publication, "Scope of Practice" (November 2008), a document that is downloadable here

Of course, you should only provide a particular form of dental treatment or make decisions about a patient's care if you are sure that you have the necessary skills, ie. are trained and competent to perform in this instance, inhalation sedation.

The GDC does not specify exactly what course you should have undertaken, providing you are sure that you have the necessary skills and could demonstrate that you have been trained by for example, CPD course attendance in the relevant area of practice. You will of course, have had training as an undergraduate but may wish to top this up with further CPD courses.

It is also important that you ensure that you are fully conversant with the Department of Health publication "A Conscious Decision - A Review of General Anaesthesia and Conscious Sedation in Primary Dental Care" published July 2000 and the guidance set out in "Conscious Sedation in the Provision of Dental Care" (November 2003).

In addition you should be aware of the relevant letters of advice from Chief Dental Officers in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.