Knowledge, Training, and Confidence in Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation Among Dental Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Aims: To assess the knowledge, training background, and confidence levels regarding nitrous oxide inhalation sedation (NOIS) among dental professionals attending a continuing education workshop.

Methods: A cross-sectional, interview-based questionnaire study was conducted at a one-day workshop on NOIS attending a workshop. Ten dental professionals participated (response rate: 100%). The questionnaire captured demographic information, training history, current practice, and confidence across 17 Likert-scale items spanning preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and general confidence domains. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients.

Results: All participants (100%) expressed willingness to use NOIS, yet only 40% (n=4) had received formal training. The mean overall confidence score was 3.46 ± 0.94 (out of 5.00). Participants with formal training demonstrated significantly higher confidence scores (4.01 ± 0.44) compared to those without training (3.05 ± 1.04; p = 0.038). A strong positive correlation was observed between formal training and overall confidence (ρ = 0.698, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found based on gender (p = 0.524) or BLS certification status (p = 0.619).

Conclusions:  Formal training in nitrous oxide sedation is significantly associated with higher confidence levels among dental professionals. The substantial gap between willingness to use NOIS and receipt of formal training highlights the urgent need for structured educational interventions in Indian dental education and continuing professional development.