The Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry (SAAD) Symposium 2024, held at the prestigious Royal College of Medicine on 28 September, delivered a series of dynamic presentations that showcased the future of dental sedation, sparking enthusiasm among professionals eager to enhance patient care. The session was opened by the society's President Sadie Hughes and closed by the incoming President Yi Kwan Loo.

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SAAD President Sadie Hughes (left) with incoming President Yi Kwan Loo

Nadiya Suida and Elisha Mistry set the stage by exploring the exciting potential of intravenous sedation (IVS) for adolescents. Their experience demonstrated that IVS offers a safe, efficient alternative to general anaesthesia (GA) for patients aged 12-16, drastically reducing waiting times and easing pressure on GA services. Their focus on behaviour management and patient reassurance added a vital dimension to improving outcomes in adolescent care.

Sarah Higham's presentation brought a refreshing international perspective, delving into her work in Australia using multi-drug sedation techniques as a dentally qualified visiting sedationist. Her real-life case studies captivated the audience, revealing how combining medications can precisely tailor sedation to patient needs while minimising risks. This fresh approach inspired UK practitioners to reimagine possibilities for safe and versatile sedation.

Joanna Dick tackled one of sedation's most challenging aspects - cannulation in anxious or needle-phobic patients. Her insights into premedication, including diazepam and intranasal midazolam, coupled with inhalation sedation, offered practical solutions to improve patient comfort and procedural success.

Munir Ravalia wowed attendees with his compelling session on hypno-sedation, where he combined clinical hypnotherapy with sedation techniques. His holistic approach offers life-changing solutions for patients with extreme dental anxiety, pushing the boundaries of sedation care.

James Nayyar provided an exhilarating comparison between sedation in dentistry and pre-hospital emergency care. His vivid case studies illuminated how lessons from fast-paced, high-pressure environments can inspire dental sedation practices to be more adaptive and efficient.

David Johnson's introduction of acupuncture as a complementary tool in dental sedation excited the audience with its potential to manage conditions like TMJ pain and gag reflexes. This non-invasive approach adds a new layer to modern sedation practice, reducing reliance on pharmacological methods.

Finally, Paul Howlett's announcement of the new Safe Sedation Certificate (SSC) from SAAD was met with great enthusiasm. This streamlined, cost-effective validation process promises to make sedation services safer and more accessible, aligning perfectly with Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry (IACSD) standards.

In addition to the presentations, 12 poster presentations were displayed during the symposium. The winning poster, titled ‘Sustainability in dental sedation: Mitigation of nitrous oxide emissions in a private paediatric dental clinic' by R. Amin, A. Singh, and P. Anand, explored ways to reduce the environmental impact of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas. The audit demonstrated a 28% reduction in nitrous oxide usage over one week after implementing sustainability-focused recommendations, without compromising patient care. This innovative project highlighted how dental practices can align with Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) guidelines to balance clinical efficacy and environmental responsibility.

The 2024 SAAD Symposium left participants inspired by the innovative techniques and approaches shared, underscoring the ever-evolving landscape of sedation in dentistry and offering exciting new tools to enhance patient care.