EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF INHALATION SEDATION IN CHILDREN AMONGST PEDODONTISTS AND GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN MANGALORE, INDIA

Abstract

Inhalation sedation is a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient's ability to maintain an airway independently and continuously and respond to stimulation and command. Found to be safe for use in dentistry with positive outcomes, it is used to manage anxiety in pediatric patients during procedures. Aim of our study was to determine the frequency of usage of inhalation sedation as adjunctive management technique in children by Dentists. A Cross sectional study was conducted with pre-structured questionnaire given to Pedodontists and General dental practitioners in various Dental colleges and clinics in and around Mangalore. Total sample size was 72. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 with the Test of Proportions. 32 out of 72 participants were trained in usage of Inhalation Sedation, out of which 14 used it regularly. Out of the 80.56% dentists not using it, majority said that expensive equipment, increased cost of treatment and potential complications were the main reasons for not using it. 59.72% of participants wanted to gain information, knowledge and undergo training in the usage of Inhalation Sedation.58.33% agreed to use it in their future dental career. 70.83% believed that knowledge and training to use Inhalation Sedation is integral part of dental curriculum for undergraduates. This study showed willingness of the dentists to provide Inhalation Sedation as a behavior management technique to their patients. The lack of training, costly equipment, increased cost of treatment are the main barriers to providing such services to the patients.