Sir, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the drawback of much needed pharmacological behaviour management services (ie IV sedation, IHS and GA). In experiencing such difficulties in the UDC hubs, I have become a huge proponent of the often underused and overlooked use of oral sedation techniques in the management of dentally anxious patients who have previously relied on IHS or IV sedation. Via anecdotal feedback, many patients are realising that they would be content to accept future treatment under such measures.

With dental practices now resuming a limited level of practice and possibly experiencing the level of frustrations with lack of treatment provisions for anxious patients, oral sedation with Diazepam is an invaluable tool in enabling patients the access to care they require. Increasing confidence in the use of Diazepam pre-medication is paramount for the changing face of dentistry, especially for those of us who have, in the past, become overly reliant on the GA, especially in polypharmacy patients. Careful case selection is of course key to its successful use, and requires the triaging clinician to be thorough in ascertaining dental history and indication of sedation need.

Appropriate prescription of Diazepam prior to attendance for urgent dental care can create positive outcomes for both the patient and treating clinician and just may result in a cultural shift that reduces the burden on sedation services when normal service resumes.