Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, celebrates National CRNA week. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists safely and cost effectively provide millions of people with dental health care they would not have received, yet many people have never even heard of them.
What is a CRNA?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has advanced degrees, a minimum of a master’s degree, but most patient’s prefer a person who holds a doctor of nursing practice (DPN) degree. Along with a national certification in their field.
CRNA Responsibilities
Along with administering anesthesia to the patient, CRNA’s are responsible for conducting an evaluation of the patient, going over any health conditions, allergies, and medications. They use their knowledge to decide the amount and type of medication to administer to ensure the highest level of safety.
IV sedation is often administered to a patient before a dental procedure, especially if the patient has dental anxiety, a gag reflex, special needs, medical conditions, and other situations.
Making Safety a Priority
Having a CRNA allows the dentist to focus on the patient procedure. Which can be compromised if they are also doing or overseeing the sedation. When the dentist is doing his/her job and that of the IV sedation is called single “operator-anesthetist” and has unfortunately, lead to children and even some adults suffering from serious complications and even death.
According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), CRNA’s safely administer anesthesia to over 49 million patients every year in the United States.
Dwayne Thibeault DNP, CRNA, ARNP, is a Nurse Anesthesiologist licensed to practice in New Hampshire. My experience and qualifications include 20+ years in trauma/critical care settings caring for patients of all ages and backgrounds ranging from office based procedures, to emergency trauma patients, to open heart and lung surgeries. My anesthesia training was completed at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, culminating in a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Blue Sky Solutions Anesthesia Associates is proud to bring hospital level sedation to your New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts dental office.
