Every year the number of Australians undergoing a colonoscopic examination of their bowel to detect bowel cancer increases. This is conducted under a regime known as " Twilight sedation " - not a full anaesthetic but sufficiently sedated to remove any pain or fear from the procedure.
It seems quite logical that this form of anxiety relief should be extended to other procedures that instill terror into most people - the dreaded visit to the dentist !
But - there is a problem. Twilight sedation is a medical procedure and it is not without risk. It needs to be carried out by a qualified person and it seems that in the rush to keep abreast of colleagues some dentists are rushing into pain relief without adequate training.
Bowel examinations are usually performed either in hospitals with full medical staff, or in private clinics specifically set up and staffed for that purpose. It is highly specialised work which is not included in the training of either dentists or their dental assistants.
Anything that induces people to bite the bullet and seek dental treatment is a gain over the fear that makes this country one that avoids dentists - but safety must be the first concern.
Patients offered pain free dentistry would be well advised to question the practitioner about relevant qualifications in that field - and the health system should be able to confirm that individual dentists are qualified to perform that procedure.
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