There has been much concern in the oral health industry about dentists who are simultaneously performing dental procedures and IV sedation. As an ongoing commitment to safety and protecting the public, many medical professionals as well as parents are calling for tougher standards and to suspend this form of single operator model for sedation because of the danger to children and has resulted in several injuries and even deaths.
You and Your Child Deserve Better
A recent ABC News investigation revealed parents are unnecessarily putting their children at risk by dentist who are using this single operator model. A dentist who performs dental procedures and patient sedation simultaneously. It is critical that someone with appropriate training, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is constantly monitoring the child while they are sedated.
“From my experience as a CRNA, our standard of practice is to assess and evaluate the patient before the procedure and stay with our patient throughout their procedure. CRNAs monitor vital signs, adjust the anesthetic drugs as needed and remain vigilant in case of an emergency. Patients’ safety is our No. 1 priority. according to Juan Quintana, DNP, MHS, CRNA, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA),
For those patients with anxiety, special needs, or disabilities, sedation can make routine and more complex dental procedures safer. The smells, lights, being confined, the drill and other equipment can make anyone scared.
After being sedated by a dentist using the single operator model, to have her five year old daughter’s cavities filled and teeth capped, Ommettress Travis of Chicago, said, “Who thinks that they’re gonna take their daughter to the dentist and never bring her home?” Her daughter died during the dental procedure.
If you are contemplating sedation for your child’s or loved one’s dental procedure, make sure all safety precautions are taken.
At Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates, 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.
We follow the strict American Dental Association guidelines and protocols throughout the procedure. We are passionate about helping New Hampshire residence, including the cities of Barrington, Dover, Concord, Amherst, receive the dental care they need.
If you have any questions or want to make an appointment, contact Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates
