Minimal Sedation Renewal

This series is a seven-hour continuum made up of four modules. This continuum is intended as an addition to the Minimal Sedation course for the purpose of recertification. This shorter continuum is designed to satisfy CE hours for maintenance of minimal sedation permits for most state board requirements. Note: Requirements vary based on state and board, so please verify the requirements with your state board.

Minimal sedation—previously known as anxiolysis—can be achieved through enteral medications, nitrous oxide and oxygen, or a combination of both methods. The challenge for practitioners aiming to administer minimal sedation lies in developing personalized protocols for each patient that ensure safety and effectiveness. When using nitrous oxide and oxygen alone, the task is relatively simple as the concentration of nitrous oxide can be adjusted to achieve the desired effect. However, oral medications pose a greater challenge as they cannot be titrated, leaving practitioners to rely on their professional judgment to determine the appropriate dosage.

In addition to understanding the appropriate medication and dosage, it is crucial to carefully select suitable candidates and implement pre-procedural protocols, such as intake forms, medical history review, informed consent and pre-operative instructions. By establishing effective systems within the office to identify appropriate patients and customize the sedation protocol accordingly, the best possible outcome can be achieved. After the minimal sedation visit, it is equally important to provide appropriate post-operative instructions and adhere to discharge criteria.

This series consists of four modules:
Module 1: Introduction to Minimal Sedation
Module 2: Pharmacology of Oral Sedatives
Module 3: Oral Sedation Protocols Part 1
Module 4: Oral Sedation Protocols Part 2