REPORT OF THE HANDS-ON RA COURSE 14/02/2004

REPORT OF THE HANDS-ON RA COURSE
HELD ON 14TH FEB. 2004
AT ST MARY'S HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE
NEWBURY

THE COURSE WAS SPONSORED BY RA MEDICAL SERVICES LTD

MY THANKS GO TO THEM

click here for more details
http://www.ramedical.com/

Saturday 14th Feb 2004 was a Valentine's day with a difference for the course attendees and the team from RA Medical, who had travelled down to Newbury from Yorkshire.

They supported and sponsored us and brought a wide range of R.A. equipment to show, and were on hand to offer practical tips and advice in setting up an RA delivery system.

The morning was devoted to a PowerPoint presentation covering the theoretical aspects of Relative Analgesia, including amongst other aspects, its history, relevant anatomy, physiology, indications and contraindications Pros and cons and comparisons with alternative sedations methods. Literature References were given and current legislation and advice from the GDC and D.o.H and Dental Protection were covered. We then went on to consider practical aspects of installing an R.A. system.

An interactive approach was taken, with course attendees afforded every opportunity to raise questions for discussion. At the end of the morning, supervised hands-on demonstrations were given detailing the correct technique for success.

The afternoon session was devoted to patient considerations including informed consent.
We looked at comparisons with alternatives to helping anxious patients as well as current legislation and recommendations.

From 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. we had a live video-link from the surgery to the lecture room, when I demonstrated R.A. techniques for three patients providing a “real-time” demonstration and more topics for discussion.

The first case was a young adult with mild to moderate anxiety who had not had dental care for several years as a result. She attended for a “trial-run” to accustom her to the nasal mask and the sensations and degree of relaxation to be expected. She left with a big smile so I anticipate an excellent outcome for her.

The second case was a mid- teenager who I have been caring for some years. He has a marked gag reflex and required a preventive resin restoration for his lower right second molar.
Once the correct level of sedation had been achieved, the procedure was completed without any gagging.

The third case an adult thirty-something male, a barrister specialising in medico-legal cases, had a very similar procedure for a lower 2nd molar. He was moderately anxious and again feared his visits to a dentist. This was his first visit to me for treatment following his initial consultation.

On completion of the treatment and having switched off the camera link to the lecture area, he turned to me and said that that was the best experience he had ever had at the dentist!

He was then happy to join the course attendees to repeat his feelings and departed, almost looking forward to his next visit. His demonstration and feedback certainly seemed to impress those who saw it.

The afternoon concluded with more time discussion, a short PowerPoint “show and after collecting the feedback questionnaire, CPD certificates were distributed. Feedback results to follow on Sunday.

We were also pleased to have some dental nurses attending, one of whom is undertaking her Dental Sedation Assistants course. I trust the attendees had an informative day and will actively look to introduce an R.A. service to their practices.

My special thanks go to my wife Chris, who is our practice manager, receptionist
(front-of house- person) and whose hard work and support ensured the day ran smoothly.

Our next Course is planned for June. A date has yet to be set. If you are interested please contact me

richard.charon@ntlworld.com