The following definitions are taken from the Guidelines for Teaching the Comprehensive Control of Pain and Anxiety in Dentistry, American Dental Association, Council on Dental Education (July 1993). These terms refer to the extent of a drug's depressant effect upon the central nervous system and should not be confused with the route by which the drug is administered.
In accord with this definition, the conscious patient is also defined as "one who has intact protective reflexes, including the ability to maintain an airway, and who is capable of rational response to question or command." The drugs and techniques used should carry a margin of safety wide enough to render unintended loss of consciousness unlikely.
For purposes of these regulations, Conscious Sedation Permits shall be divided into two classifications:
Restricted and Unrestricted Permits -- Conscious Sedation induced by parenteral or enteral or rectal routes as well as nitrous oxide inhalation. This does not preclude the use of usual and customary pre-operative oral sedation.
Restricted Permit II -- Conscious Sedation induced by nitrous oxide inhalation only.
The same level of advanced training is necessary for the administration of both Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia.
24 Del. Admin. Code § 1100-7.0
14 DE Reg. 1239 (05/01/11)
15 DE Reg. 1359 (03/01/12)
16 DE Reg. 880 (02/01/13)