DTUK1510

June 7-13, 201020 United Kingdom EditionEducation each patient as to whether or not this possibility has the po- tential to be significant, and if so, whether it is prudent to treat the patient under sedation, or indeed at all. It is particularly useful to provide the patient with an in- formation sheet. Not only should this explain what to do and what not to do before and after con- scious sedation, but it should also explain the nature of the procedure and the processes involved, as well as the benefits and risks. A further section of the text can explore frequently asked questions. This is also a good opportu- nity to explain that the effects of conscious sedation are similar to the effects of alcohol. Following from this it is useful and entirely appropriate to explain to the pa- tient that they may dream, that some dreams can be vivid and intense, and that very occasion- ally, the dreams can be of a sex- ual nature. Chaperonage The presence of an appropri- ate third party goes a long way to protect the practitioner from allegations of indecent assault. Whenever this sort of procedure is being carried out there should be a strict rule that no practitioner is ever left alone with the patient: • Not even for a short time • Not during administration of the sedative drug • Not during the patient dis- charge following recovery • Not at any time in between There should be no deviation from this rule and only careful staff training can ensure that this is the case on every occasion. For example, once the seda- tive has been administered it is inappropriate for the chaper- oning dental nurse to leave the surgery or to move out of sight of the patient and dentist within the surgery. This applies even for the briefest period of time and for any reason that might cause the nurse to be temporarily out of view (retrieving instruments or materials and any other duties away from the chair). Systems need to be developed such that if the situation should arise that ex- tra equipment and materials are required from a site beyond the immediate surgery, then a third person should be summoned to obtain these. Drugs must be used with care and consideration. There is evidence to suggest that higher doses of sedative drugs tend to increase the incidence of sexual hallucination. Frequent use of high dose sedative regimes is likely to increase the risk of al- leged sexual assault. Recovery Once the operative procedure has been completed, the patient will on most occasions still dis- play a residual level of sedation and will need time for further recovery before discharge or transfer to nursing care. Again the patient must be fully chap- eroned throughout this stage. The dental nurse/assistant must not leave the dentist alone with the patient at any time. When moving the patient to dedicated recovery facilities, the patient should be transferred either by trolley or should be able to walk themselves with the minimum of supervision. It is inappropriate for the patient to require support from both the dentist and the dental nurse in the transfer proc- ess. Not only is the patient inad- equately recovered to be trans- ferred by this method, but this method of transfer produces an unacceptable level of close body contact, which has the potential to be misinterpreted. Once in the recovery area, the patient should be moni- tored and accompanied by a re- sponsible adult at all times. The patient should not be left alone with the dentist just ‘pop- ping in’ to monitor the patient. The recovery period is one of the most frequently cited times of an alleged sexual assault, and a pa- tient should be continuously and closely monitored by an appro- priately trained person, taking ac- count of any chaperonage issues. Supervision A patient who has been sedated, even after allowing sufficient time in a supervised recovery environment under the care of suitably trained and experienced personnel, should be accompa- nied from the practice by a re- sponsible adult. page 19DTß www.sinclairpharma.com DECAPINOL® creates an invisible barrier that prevents bacteria from adhering to the tooth surfaces. ■ Clinically effective in prevention against plaque and gingivitis as shown in multiple clinical studies ■ Unlike other dental products DECAPINOL® gently and safely protects against gingivitis ■ Preventative against periodontitis DECAPINOL® promotes a healthy long-term plaque management. ■ Maintains a healthy balanced oral micro flora ■ No semi-permanent staining ■ Minimal alcohol content ■ No interaction with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Start recommending DECAPINOL® Stop plaque coming back! 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