EDUCATION: What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry is a mild to moderate level of sedation used to assist dental patients with attaining a temporary insensitivity to pain while remaining conscious. Typically, this is used for lengthier procedures and is also found to be very beneficial for patients that suffer from anxiety about having dental work done. It is also offered to minimize the amount of pain felt during a procedure. For lengthier or more painful procedures such as root canals, it is always recommended. The Florida Board of Dentistry allows dentists to administer a small dose of oral sedation without having advanced training or permitting. A single dose of a medicine is allowed up to the maximum dosage per patient weight. Dentists are also allowed to supplement with nitrous oxide. This is considered “minimal sedation”. Formal advanced training in sedation is required to administer “moderate sedation”. This is done through an internship or an approved course. Dental professionals must complete 60 hours of didactic instruction on a minimum of 20 patients, and an inspection of the office must be performed including a demonstration of an emergency drill before any permit is issued with the Board of Dentistry. To administer “deep sedation” or general anesthesia, a dentist must complete a residency in General Anesthesia an receive a permit from the Board of Dentistry. Pediatric sedation requires a completely separate permit and training requirements. Web: www.JonesHealthLaw.com Phone: (305)877-5054 Instagram: @JonesHealthLaw Facebook: @JonesHealthLaw Youtube: #JonesHealthLaw