How often are you talking to your patients about sedation? Do you wait for them to bring up their concerns about pain or anxiety? Do they have to ask you about sedation before you talk to them about it? More than likely, you should make sedation a part of a lot more patient conversations. Continued research shows that dentists consistently underestimate their patients' desire for sedation and anesthesia. Jonathan Campbell, DDS, a third-year resident in the Dental Anaesthesia program at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, summarized findings from several surveys and studies in an article in the Oral Health Journal. "Unfortunately dentists' ability to perceive their patients' needs and preferences for sedation and anesthesia services is not equal. Dentists consistently underestimate the need for these services," wrote Campbell. Campbell cites a 2013 survey conducted among Ontario dentists and patients that showed dentists overestimated the percent of patients they thought would not be interested in sedation/anesthesia: Dentists estimated that more than two-thirds of their patients were not interested, but only about 44 percent of patient respondents indicated they were not interested. When it came to patient interest based on sedation/GA costs, dentists guessed that just under 20 percent of patients would be interested, while patients reported nearly 44 percent interest. By contrast, dentist estimates and patient responses were more closely aligned when it came to percentage of patients being definitely interested in sedation/GA (13.5 percent versus 12.4 respectively). This suggests that dentists are in tune with patients who have a clear dental phobia or situation that more or less requires sedation/anesthesia. Campbell goes on to break down percentages of patients preferring sedation or anesthesia by fear level and type of procedure: "In Canada, Chanpong et al (2005), reported that, in respondents with low fear, 12.4 percent were definitely interested in sedation or GA and 42.3 percent would be interested depending on cost. These numbers increased in the high fear group: 31.1 percent and 54.1 percent, respectively. Preference for these services by procedure type were: 7.2 percent for cleaning, 18 percent for restorative, 46 percent for extractions, 54.7 percent for root canals, and 68.2 percent for periodontal surgery. Moreover, these procedure-specific preferences were larger than the actual amount of sedation/GA being delivered." All in all, Campbell makes a solid case for dentists not adequately addressing patient demand for sedation and anesthesia services. Although the reason for the disconnect between a dentist's perception of a patient's preference for sedation and their actual preference is still unclear. Maybe dental anxiety is hardwired into more people than we think, or more people want to be sedated during dental treatments, regardless of their stated or expressed fear or anxiety. Whatever the reason, it will likely behoove you to have the sedation conversation more often with more patients.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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