Sir, I recently had a case which was unique to me in 35 years in practice. A colleague was approached by a patient who was concerned about receiving dental treatment. The patient hadn't attended for some years as firstly he felt he had been poorly treated in other practices and secondly he had a history of lashing out at the dentist if he was hurt. As the gentleman in question is 6' 5” tall, 18.5 stones in weight and a close personal support specialist this was a consideration for both sides.

My colleague saw and spoke with the patient and managed to set him somewhat more at his ease and I was asked by both parties to consult with a view to providing sedation during treatment. Treatment was successfully provided under sedation (including large restorations and extraction) with both dentist and patient having a comfortable and violence-free time.

I have to say that this is the first time I have been asked to sedate someone because they were more worried about hurting the dentist than being hurt themselves.