Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, released their clinical report updating the guidelines for pediatric dental sedation. The report addresses safety concerns.
“Sedation for dental procedures in children and teenagers is generally safe,” said Charles J. Coté, lead author of the clinical report, who is a pediatrician and a pediatric anesthesiologist. “However, we are aware of adverse outcomes when a single dental provider simultaneously performs the procedure and administers deep sedation or general anesthesia for dental procedures. These guidelines ensure the safety of patients who undergo these procedures.”
First the new guidelines recommend when children undergo sedation for dental work, there has to be more than one person with specific credentials an training needs to be present. This includes both deep sedation and general anesthesia in a dental facility or hospital.
Second the new guidelines clarify that a qualified anesthesia provider includes a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), as well as a medical anesthesiologist and dentist anesthesiologist.
The report, “Guidelines for Monitoring and Management of Pediatric Patients Before, During and After Sedation for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures,” stress the importance of taking all safety precautions.
Under the 2019 guidelines, one of the two trained people required for sedation must be an independent observer who is not involved with performing or assisting with the dental procedure. The observer’s sole responsibility is to constantly observe the patient’s vital signs and to be skilled to assist with any medical emergency. Both the independent observer and the operating dentist must be certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
At Blue Sky Solutions we support safe dentistry sedation
We partner with dentist throughout New Hampshire to bring hospital-level sedation for your appointment . Our #1 goal is patient safety and satisfaction because we care for you, like we would our family.
Our expectations are high and yours should be too when choosing to have sedation for your dental procedure. You deserve to have individual attention and an experienced nurse anesthetist providing your sedation whose only concern is monitoring you or your loved one.
Contact Blue Sky Solutions for an appointment and more information.
