Questions to ask your dentist about anestheia & sedation for your child
The American Dental Association offers the following questions that parents and guardians should ask concerning in-office sedation or general anesthesia for their children provided either by the dentist or by a separate sedation/anesthetic practitioner in that dental ofiice. The ADA recommends talking to your dentist about any concerns you might have about the treatment plan prior, during and after the procedure:
Prior To The Procedure
Who will provide the preoperative evaluation of my child including their past medical history such as allergies, current prescription medications and previous illnesses and hospitalizations?
A PDAA nurse will call you to get this information and it will be reviewed by an anesthesiologist several days before the procedure to insure your child is safe for anesthesia. This information will again be reviewed on the day of the procedure when your child is examined by the anesthesiologist.
What is the recommended time that my child should be without food or drink prior to the procedure (with the exception of necessary medications taken with a sip of water)? - Will any sedation medication be given to my child at home prior to their coming to the office and, if so, how should they be monitored?
You will be given eating and drinking instructions by our nursing staff. Your child must not have any solid foods for six hours prior to the procedure and may have clear liquids BM (Remove “BM”) three hours prior to procedure. Nothing by mouth for three hours prior to the procedure. Most children do not require sedative medications before coming to the office. In the event that a sedative is required, you will be given specific instructions.
What training and experience does the sedation/anesthesia provider have in providing the level of sedation or anesthesia that is planned for the procedure? Does this training and experience meet all of the standards of the ADA Guidelines for the Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists?
Your child will be administered anesthesia by a board certified anesthesiologist with pediatric subspecialty training. This is the highest standard of care available.
Does the staff assisting in the procedure have current training in emergency resuscitation procedures, such as Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, and other advanced resuscitation courses as recommended by the ADA Guidelines? Is this training regularly renewed?
The PDAA staff have training in Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Emergency drills are performed on a regular basis.
Does the state dental board require a special sedation/anesthesia permit or license that allows for the sedation/anesthesia provider to administer this specific level of sedation or anesthesia in the dental office?
Yes and PDAA meets or exceeds all state requirements