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Dental Anesthesiology Becomes the 10th Dental Specialty Recognized by ADA

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On March 11, 2019, the National Commission determined that the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists meets the “Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties.”

In September 2018, the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists submitted an application to the National Commission. In February 2019, the review committee considered all of the information to see if dental anesthesiology met all the requirements for specialty recognition. Finally, at it’s meeting on March 11, the National Commission granted official recognition to dental anesthesiology as a dental specialty.

What is a Dental Specialty

According to the ADA, a dental specialty is a particular “area of dentistry that has been formally recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards as meeting the specified Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties and National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialties.”

In order to qualify for specialty recognition, a sponsoring organization has to meet the 6 requirements specified by the “Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties.” They have to be able to prove that they are a distinct and well-defined field that requires unique knowledge and skills beyond the common ones that dental school graduates possess. In addition, they have to prove that their field requires advanced knowledge and skills and that it scientifically contributes new research and knowledge in both the profession and field.

What are the Other 9 Dental Specialties?

Dental anesthesiology joins the following 9 dental specialties:

  • Dental Public Health
  • Endodontics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Oral Medicine and Pathology
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics

These dental specialties are recognized to protect the public, nurture the art of science in dentistry, and improve the quality of care.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

We are a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care. Young children unable to cooperate and individuals with mental or physical disabilities can benefit from these services.

Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms completed residencies in hospital dentistry and dental anesthesiology. Both are currently the only two Dental Anesthesiologist board certified in Deep Sedation in the state of Missouri.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

Is Dental Sedation Right for Your Child?

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We are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

St. Louis Special Needs Dentist

When your youngster is having a dental procedure done, you might be struggling with the choice of whether or not to sedate them. You want to prevent them from feeling any trauma and pain from the dental procedure, but you also don’t want to put their safety into question. That can leave you questioning whether dental sedation is right for your child.

The good news is that sedating a patient is almost always a safe procedure. There are ways to sedate your little one that are completely effective and come with very minimal risk. If you use the lowest level of sedation, then you can both save your little one the anxiety of sitting in the dentist chair and you can also relax, knowing that they are completely safe.

What Type is Right for Your Child?

The major types of sedation used for dental procedures are oral sedation, the use of nitrous oxide and IV sedation. Oral sedation is a type of sedation procedure where a child takes medicine by mouth (orally) before the procedure. It takes about 20 minutes to work, and it allows the child to relax and usually fall asleep; they can easily be awakened, and there is very little risk involved.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is used to keep children quiet and calm during a dental procedure. A mask is placed over their mouths, and they breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. While it gives your child a feeling of euphoria, it also means they will not remember the procedure or feel anything as the procedure is happening. Towards the end of the treatment, the mask will deliver just oxygen, and your child will be good to go home without any residual effects.

To sedate a patient with IV sedation, they must have an IV line inserted, and an anesthesiologist must be present throughout the entire procedure. Once the IV line is placed the child is delivered medication intravenously and then monitored throughout the procedure.

Depending on what your child is having done and how extensive the treatment is, your dentist will make a recommendation about which type of sedation is best. A good rule to go by is to weigh the benefits of sedation against the risks. It is always best to use the least risky sedation method possible for the biggest benefit.

Although choosing sedation might seem scary, many methods are completely safe and put your child at very little risk. The benefit to their psyche and to establishing a positive experience with the dentist is imperative to establishing good oral hygiene and health for a lifetime.

St. Louis Anesthesia Dentistry

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which option is the best for your child depending on their anxiety level and cooperation.

Call Us Today to Schedule Your Appointment at (314) 862-7844 We Look Forward to Meeting You!