Sedation Dentistry: Cost of Peace of Mind

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This survey found 97% of responding dentists happily offering OCS. The average fee for oral conscious sedation is about $300. Some dentists don't charge, whereas others ask as much as $650.

A third (35%) offer IV sedation, charging about $500. But intravenous sedation fees ranged from $250-$800.

Only 6% have general anesthesia capabilities. Ranging from $320 to $1200, anesthesia costs around $700.

Sedation fees are just a drop in the bucket

"Most of the time I don't charge for the sedation as these are usually very large (20K plus) cases." (Texas dentist)
"We often comp the sedation fee on big cases." (California dentist)

Differing levels of comfort with oral conscious sedation

"I do not believe in the pure Oral Sedation, but in combining it with N2O, I charge $350, providing that I have Permit A. I do not do General anesthesia because I do not have Permit B." (Illinois dentist)
"I only do oral sedation, and nitrous oxide." (South Carolina dentist)
"I'm a pediatric dentist using 'Non-IV' techniques for the deep 'conscious' sedation procedures on younger pediatric patients and surgical procedures." (South Carolina pediatric dentist)

Some dentists don't charge for sedatives

"I just prescribe a sedative to take before the procedure, but not during, so I do not charge." (Texas dentist)
"When I prescribe an anxiolytic, such as triazolam, I do not charge additional, even though I monitor the patient. As a dentist certified in oral and IV sedation, I find oral sedation to be of limited benefit to my more anxious patients." (New York dentist)

It's all a matter of time

"My IV sedation fee is based on the amount of time needed to complete dental procedures." (Florida pediatric dentist)
"We charge a higher fee for smokers, where they take longer to manage." (Kentucky dentist)

A dental anesthesiologist's perspective

"As a dental anesthesiologist, it is my opinion that dentists should be trained to manage the airway, start an IV and intubate a patient when necessary. It is my opinion that dental anesthesiology will help dentistry and open the way for more training and treatment by dentists." (Diplomat, National Dental Board of Anesthesiology)

Note: Survey sample included 101 respondents.