The American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy issued a joint statement on propofol sedation for endoscopy. Among their recommendations that have important implications for dentistry are:

• Compared to standard doses of benzodiazepines and narcotics, propofol may provide faster onset and deeper sedation.… More rapid cognitive and functional recovery can be expected with the use of propofol as a single agent.

• There are data to support the use of propofol by adequately trained nonanesthesiologists. Large case series indicate that with adequate training, physician-supervised nurse administration of propofol sedation can be done safely