Simple dental procedures in mentally handicapped patients can be facilitated by the use of intravenous sedation. This article describes our experiences with eleven such patients undergoing a total of eighteen procedures in 1994-1995. Sedation was administered by a consultant anesthetist using propofol in 'Sterrenberg'--a home for the mentally handicapped in the Netherlands. The article describes the organization of the patients selection and pre- per- and post-sedation care using a management protocol. It is concluded that the technique is effective and safe for simple dental procedures such as examination, removal of tartar, radiography and the treatment of cavities, provided that patients selection and care are meticulous.