5 Credit Hours

Anxiety is one of the most common barriers to dental care. As dentists we are uniquely positioned to address it safely and effectively using the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic techniques. This course takes a deep dive into the science, pharmacology, and practical application of minimal sedation techniques used in the general dental office. It will also address options for deeper levels of sedation in the dental office. This course will cover the connection between anesthesiology and dentistry as well as the latest protocols for nitrous oxide and oral anxiolytics. The course closes with a focused discussion on recognition and management of common medical emergencies that may arise during sedation, equipping clinicians with the knowledge and confidence to respond decisively when it matter most.

Learning Objectives:

• Trace history and key figures in development of anesthesia in dentistry.
• Describe the pharmacological mechanism, physiological effects, clinical endpoints, patient selection, and contraindications of nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation.
• Compare commonly used oral anxiolytic agents — including dosing, onset, duration, and reversal options — and select the appropriate agent for a given
  patient scenario.
• Demonstrate a systematic approach to recognizing and managing life-threatening emergencies.
• Evaluate office preparedness for sedation emergencies, including emergency kits.

Dr. Craig McKenzie is an assistant professor of dental anesthesiology and the director of the Center for Patients with Special Needs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After completing a dual DMD/MSEd program at the University of Pennsylvania, he trained in dental anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. McKenzie has been active in organized dentistry since dental school. He is a past national president of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) and was a founding member of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure. He is recognized nationally as a board member of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology (ADBA), American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA), and as a CODA site visitor for dental anesthesiology. He currently serves as a member of the ADA Council on Membership, Pennsylvania Dental Association’s (PDA) New Dentist Committee, and a director-at-large for the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania. He was recognized for his contributions to the profession with the ADA’s 10 Under 10 award in 2025 and the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologist’s Larry Trapp Award in 2026. As a full-time faculty member, he enjoys training the next generation of dentists and dentist anesthesiologists.

Dr. McKenzie has no financial relationships relevant to this presentation to disclose.

Dental Society of Western PA is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider Approved by Pennsylvania Dental Association.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Dental Society of Western PA designates this activity for 6 continuing education credits.