The 17th year of Sedation Safety Week covers the most pressing topics in dentistry today, from compliance and emergency preparation to drug safety and the trio of dental distress.
By Genni Burkhart
This week is the 17th annual Sedation Safety Week, which will take place from March 10th through the 14th and offer dental professionals essential insights and discussions on best practices in sedation safety.
Since its launch in 2008, Sedation Safety Week has gained widespread recognition as a vital resource for dentists dedicated to providing safe and effective sedation care. This year’s event will feature daily expert guidance, practical tips, and the latest advancements in sedation dentistry.
Throughout the week, the non-profit organization highlights key safety topics, including insights and updated recommendations for emergency training, pharmacology, legal compliance, and understanding the trio of dental distress: anxiety, fear, and phobia. The event will conclude with the announcement of 2025's Sedation Dentist of the Year award, honoring a dental professional who exemplifies excellence in safe sedation care.
For more than 26 years, DOCS Education has been a leader in sedation safety, guided by its co-founder and president, Dr. Michael Silverman. A globally recognized lecturer, educator, and patient rights advocate, Dr. Silverman is also the founder and national chairman of Sedation Safety Week.
Thanks to advancements in sedation dentistry and expanded education initiatives, more than 21 million patients have overcome their dental anxiety and received safe, pain-free treatment.
Join dentists from all over the country for a week of in-depth articles and expert discussions exploring the progress, benefits, and critical safety considerations in sedation dentistry.
The 2025 lineup includes:
Are You Keeping Up with the Latest Compliance and Liability Guidelines?
Navigating the legal side of sedation dentistry isn’t the most thrilling part of running a practice. But staying on top of ever-evolving regulations isn’t optional. From DEA requirements and HIPAA laws to state-specific mandates, even a minor oversight can lead to fines, penalties, or worse. Keeping your practice compliant protects your license, your patients, and your peace of mind.
Is Your Team Truly Prepared for an Emergency?
Emergencies don’t come with a warning. When they do, your team needs to be ready. Consistent, hands-on training is the key to ensuring that every team member knows their role and can act with confidence under pressure. In the operatory or the waiting room, seamless coordination and communication can make all the difference in a high-stress situation. In an emergency, there is no such thing as a "team of one."
How Well Do You Know Your Medications?
As a sedation dentist, patient safety is your top priority. That means understanding not just sedation medication protocols but also your patients' complex health profiles and the ever-evolving landscape of drug interactions. Fine-tuning your knowledge of drugs and how they interact ensures you deliver the safest and most effective care possible.
Can You Recognize and Manage Different Forms of Dental Anxiety?
Most patients aren’t excited to be in the dental chair, but there is a big difference between mild nervousness and deep-seated fear or phobia. Understanding these distinctions can help create a more comfortable experience, ease patient anxiety, and encourage better oral health habits. The more you know about managing patient distress, the more you can transform reluctant visitors into lifelong patients.
Who Is the 2025 Sedation Dentist of the Year?
This year’s Sedation Dentist of the Year, Dr. Scott Bridges, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to patient safety, emergency preparedness, and compassionate care inside and outside the practice. His dedication to continuing education and his ability to remain calm and effective in critical situations set him apart as a leader in the field. You can visit the official website and read more about the winner here.
Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
The field of sedation dentistry is constantly evolving, and staying informed is essential for providing the highest standard of care. Whether it is compliance updates, emergency response training, or patient management strategies, sharpening your skills benefits your practice and your patients.
Join us for Sedation Safety Week and make sure you stay ahead of the curve.
Author: With over 15 years as an award-winning journalist, editor, and writer, Genni Burkhart has covered everything from news, politics, and healthcare to finance, corporate leadership, and technology. As the Editor-in-chief of The Incisor newsletter and blog and features writer at DOCS Education, she brings a refreshing insight and a passion for storytelling to the world of sedation dentistry.
