The safety and efficacy of various sedative techniques was studied. Inhalation sedation provided the mainstay of anxiety control, whereas intravenous and combination techniques were reserved for more difficult patients or procedures. Pooled data from all techniques yielded an 87% effectiveness rate and 93% patient acceptance rate. Sedation was less often effective in persons with poorer health status than in healthy persons. Complications encountered were few, rarely of serious potential, and easily managed. Nitrous oxide sedation was effective 88.5% of the time and usually at concentrations of 50% or less. The safety and efficacy of intravenous, oral, combination, and especially inhalation sedation given by individuals not formally trained in general anesthesia appears to be confirmed. No correlation of side effects to a specific technique of administration or to patients suffering significant medical disorders could be established. However, more data need to be obtained in this area before firm conclusions can be made.