Assessment of Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation Module in Kuwait: A Survey on Undergraduate Dental Training Curriculum

INTRODUCTION: The use of nitrous oxide/oxygen (N(2)O/O(2)) inhalation sedation in dentistry has increased worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the nitrous oxide/oxygen (N(2)O/O(2)) inhalation sedation undergraduate teaching curriculum at Kuwait University Faculty of Dentistry. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey involving dental students in their clinical years (5th, 6th, and 7th years) at Kuwait University Faculty of Dentistry was conducted. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The Likert scale-based survey comprised 17 statements that assessed various aspects of N(2)O/O(2) inhalation sedation in dental procedures. Continuous data variables were compared among different groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Categorical data variables were compared using either the Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS: Fifty-six students participated in this survey-based study. All students attended an approximately equal number of practical hands-on-training sessions, with a mean of 1.7 (± 1.1) sessions (p = 0.813). Most students expressed confidence in administering N(2)O/O(2) inhalation sedation with an insignificant difference between each group (p = 0.276). However, low confidence level was observed in certain intraoperative and postoperative management aspects of providing N(2)O/O(2) to patients. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the teaching curriculum regarding N(2)O/O(2) inhalation sedation should be regularly evaluated. The quality of students’ educational pathways should also be assessed through surveys to improve and develop dental school curricula to the highest standard levels.