Abstract Halothane has proved its value as an adjuvant to nitrous oxide-oxygen for dental outpatient anesthesia. Rapid induction and recovery, smooth maintenance, and low incidence of nausea and vomiting have been factors in its wide acceptance by oral surgeons and anesthetists. There is a more stable cardiovascular response during anesthesia with halothane-nitrous oxide-oxygen than with halothane-oxygen alone or with thiopental induction. Premedication is usually unnecessary, indeed, it may actually cause serious cardiac arrhythmias, mask signs of halothane overdosage, or delay recovery time. A demand-flow, nonrebreathing system is most suitable for outpatient anesthesia. The advisability of frequent recalibration of gas machines and halothane vaporizers is stressed. Use of the nasal mask or nasopharyngeal tube provides an equally satisfactory airway, but the nasopharyngeal tube may create iatrogenic complications during its placement. Endotracheal intubation in outpatients is avoided except where positively indicated. Although the relationship of halothane to massive hepatic necrosis has received inordinate scrutiny, present evidence indicates that halothane presents no greater hazard than other anesthetic agents. The use of catecholamines on outpatients anesthetized with halothane cannot be recommended, as the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias outweighs any possible advantages. Extensive experience with halothane in the general operating theater, followed by its supervised administration to outpatients, should be prerequisites to its use in private dental or oral surgery practice.