Dr. Leventer graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1990 and furthered his education by completing both a General Practice Residency and a Dental Anesthesiology Residency at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in New York. Currently, he serves as a full-time Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where he specializes in providing sedation and general anesthesia, working closely with postgraduate residents. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Leventer maintains an active general dentistry practice at the UMSOD Faculty Practice and delivers comprehensive dental services at the University of Maryland Hospital. His expertise in anesthesia and dedication to patient care make him a valuable asset to the dental community.

This comprehensive course is designed to follow ADA guidelines for the teaching of nitrous oxide inhalation sedation in dentistry. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the history, background, and clinical use of nitrous oxide as a sedative. The course will cover the entire sedation/anesthesia spectrum, focusing on patient evaluation, respiration, pharmacology, contraindications, drug interactions, and record-keeping protocols. Dr. Leventer will also address potential adverse reactions and include a hands-on component where participants will review the essential equipment needed for the administration of nitrous oxide sedation.

This course reviews the skills and knowledge necessary for dental professionals to administer nitrous oxide inhalation sedation safely and effectively in their practice.

Course Content:

• Exploration of the historical, philosophical, and psychological aspects of anxiety and pain control.
• Comprehensive patient evaluation, including medical history, physical diagnosis, and psychological considerations.
• Definitions of the physiological and psychological mechanisms behind anxiety and pain.
• Detailed discussion of drug-induced central nervous system depression stages, emphasizing the distinction between conscious and unconscious states.
• Review of respiratory and circulatory physiology in both pediatric and adult patients, focusing on their relationship to sedation.
• Examination of the pharmacology of inhalation agents, including drug interactions and incompatibilities.
• Identification of indications and contraindications for nitrous oxide sedation.
• Overview of dental procedures that can be performed under nitrous oxide sedation.
• Guidance on patient monitoring using clinical observations and specialized equipment, with attention to vital signs and reflex responses. 
• Emphasis on maintaining accurate records, including medical history, vital signs, drug dosages, and patient responses.
• Prevention, recognition, and management of complications and life-threatening situations.
• Administration of local anesthesia in conjunction with nitrous oxide sedation techniques.
• Familiarization with the description and use of inhalation sedation equipment.
• Introduction to occupational hazards associated with trace anesthetics and strategies to reduce exposure risks.
• Discussion of the potential for abuse of nitrous oxide sedation.

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to::

• Describe the basic components and proper use of inhalation sedation equipment.
• Understand the function of each component in the administration of nitrous oxide.
• Identify and discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with nitrous oxide sedation.
• Determine appropriate indications and contraindications for its use in clinical practice.
• Recognize and manage complications that may arise during sedation.
• Prevent and address adverse reactions, including life-threatening complications.
• Understand the potential for abuse and the occupational hazards associated with nitrous oxide, implementing strategies to minimize exposure risks.

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