Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing
Programme Application Details
The Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing is a qualification suitable for dental nurses who assist in the surgery during routine conscious sedation. This course is only suitable for candidates engaged in this type of work on a regular basis.
The Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing course is provided bi-annually starting in January. The course is run as evening classes in the Preston area. To apply for this course in the first instance, please complete the online application form. Once we have received this, you will be contacted by a representative from SMG Training for a brief telephone interview. This interview is informal and serves to ensure that you have all the support structures in place to successfully undertake this course.
Dental nurses must meet the following criteria in order to access this programme:
- Hold a recognised dental nurse qualification (SMG Training does not accept applications from dental nurses who are registered but not qualified)
- Hold current GDC registration
- Be able to access dental treatments carried out under sedation
- Provide the name and details of a suitably qualified mentor (usually a dental surgeon).
The course fees will be available on application. The exam fees, (payable to the NEBDN) are £175 (subject to change) and are due two months prior to your chosen exam date. It is also recommended that you purchase the textbook:
Advanced Dental Nursing, 2nd Edition
Robert Ireland
In addition to the course work, you will be expected to put together a Record of Experience detailing the provision of treatments under dental sedation and associated activities to a variety of patients. The deadline for completion of this is two months prior to your chosen exam date.
The course is undertaken over 9 months. During the programme, your progress will be checked on a monthly basis, or at shorter time intervals if necessary. The NEBDN examination is held at dental hospitals around the country in March and September. You will be advised of your examination location before the course starts. The exam consists of a written component and a practical / viva (oral).
To assist in your studies you will be asked to provide the contact details of a suitable mentor within the dental practice. This person will be a dental surgeon or a sedation qualified dental nurse. This person will be expected to work with you to provide practical support throughout the programme.
This course also qualifies for 45 hours of verifiable CPD.
If you have any further questions please contact Julia@smgtraining.co.uk.
Course content
Conscious Sedation in Dental Practice
- Definition of Conscious Sedation
- Dental anxiety: causes and recognition
- Patient assessment and treatment planning:
- ASA classification
- Behavioural management:
- Communication skills
- Hypnotic suggestion (RA)
- Sedation techniques for adults and children:
- oral
- intravenous
- inhalation
- other routes e.g. intranasal
Anatomy and Physiology
- Cardiovascular system
- Respiratory system
- Venepuncture sites
Pharmacology
- Presentation of drugs:
- properties
- actions
- indications and contra-indications of commonly used drugs including doses
- and potential hazards
- Inhalation sedation:
- nitrous oxide/oxygen
- Oral sedatives (and/or premedication and sedation):
- diazepam:
- temazepam
- midazolam
- transmucosal
- Intravenous sedation:
- midazolam
- flumazenil
- propofol
- other drugs e.g. opioids
Skills
- Prepare the environment
- Select the appropriate equipment and items for the procedure
- Check all relevant equipment is in working order
- Identify faulty equipment and follow established protocols
- Position equipment appropriately for the procedure
- Receive and prepare patient for sedation
- Provide close support during administration of sedation
- Techniques for airway protection
- Monitor patient and report any deviation from acceptable physiological parameters
- Care for patient during recovery
- Provide appropriate clinical and electromechanical monitoring
- Remove cannula and dress site of venepuncture
- Safe disposal of sharps/contaminated items
Equipment
Inhalation:
- machines in common use e.g. Quantiflex/Matrx MDM, McKesson
- components of the machine
- breathing systems
- scavenging systems (active and passive)
- pre-operative checks
- maintenance
Intravenous
- needle
- cannulae
- syringes
Monitoring
- pulse oximeter
- automatic blood pressure machine
- Aspiration/Suction
- Emergency
- oxygen supply
- positive pressure ventilation bag
- drugs: indications for use
- dose
- potential hazards
- oral airways
- suction
Medico-Legal
- Current Department of Health/GDC guidelines for adults and children
- Significance of the medical history
- Consent
- Pre and post-operative instructions
- Escort
- Role of chaperon
- COSHH and Health and Safety regulations
Assist with management of complications/emergencies
- respiratory depression/arrest
- airway obstruction
- cardiac arrest
- vasovagal attack (fainting)
- diabetic coma
- epilepsy
- angina
- myocardial infarction
- asthma
- drug reactions/overdosage
- Establish and maintain airway
- Provide effective Basic Life Support (+/- airway adjuncts)
- Select emergency drugs and make ready for use
- Caring attitude to patients requiring sedation
- Ability to remain calm, decisive and purposeful whilst handling difficulties or emergencies
- Appreciation of the need for keeping knowledge and skills up to date
The course assessment involves completion of a Record of Experience and an examination.
