When faced with an anxious patient with complex needs who requires dental care, it can be difficult to decide on the most appropriate method to manage their pain and anxiety. There are a range of conscious sedation techniques that may be used, and on some occasions, general anaesthesia may be required. This paper describes the methods available and the factors influencing the decision-making process. The general dental practitioner (GDP) may not be able to offer care in their setting, but knowing more about the decision-making process and the information required to make that decision can help them guide patients and their families.

This article will explain some of the reasons people become homeless, their oral health needs and what the dental team can do to help

In this article, Yvonne Rooney and Carole Boyle provide an overview of general anaesthesia (GA), the indications for treatment under GA, and the dental nurse's role when a patient comes in for treatment