conscious sedation

Sedation Dentists: What is the Cost of Sedation Dentistry? (video)

June 21, 2011 By Catherine Hughes 1 Comment

The Wealthy Dentist conducted a survey that asked dentists about the cost of sedation dentistry.

The cost of sedation dentistry varies widely among dentists. Of course, if you are a dental patient spending thousands for cosmetic dentistry, then sedation fees are just a drop in the bucket.

The average fee for oral conscious sedation is about $300. Some dentists don’t charge, whereas others ask as much as $650.

A third 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.

“My IV sedation fee is based on the amount of time needed to complete dental procedures,” said a Florida pediatric dentist.

“Most of the time I don’t charge for the sedation as these are usually very large (20K plus) cases,” reported a Texas dentist.

To hear more of what dentists had to say about sedation dentistry, please click play and watch the following survey video -

Conscious sedation dentistry helps lower patients’ anxiety and marketing sedation dentistry to the anxious dental patient is a smart way to bring in new dental patients.

What do you charge for oral conscious sedation at your dental practice?

For more on this survey see: Sedation Dentistry: Cost of Peace of Mind

The Sedation Dentist Offers Multiple Types of Sedation Dentistry

October 5, 2010 By Jim Du Molin 2 Comments

Nitrous oxide is the most popular type of sedation dentistry, found our recent survey, with oral conscious sedation a close second. In fact, dentists are four times more likely to provide nitrous oxide sedation than pediatric dental sedation.

"Sedation is not for everybody (the dentists)," advised one dentist.

The respondents to this survey tended to offer multiple types of sedation dentistry.

88% Nitrous Oxide
83% Oral Conscious Sedation
47% IV Sedation
31% Dental Fear / Phobic Counseling
22% Pediatric Sedation

Here are some comments from dentists:

“Couldn't do without these two [nitrous oxide & conscious sedation].” (Texas dentist)
“It's a wonderful option for dental phobic patients!” (Minnesota dentist)
“In many cases it is the only safe way to practice dentistry for pediatric dentistry cases and special needs and phobics.” (Pennsylvania dentist)
“It is wonderful that dentists are now addressing the issue of patient dental anxiety with sedation, but I hope we don't attempt to treat patients with a one-size-fits-all mentality.” (General Dentist)
“It's not for everybody (the dentists).” (Kentucky dentist)
“Sedation is very safe when used properly. Practice carefully and continue your training.” (Tennessee dentist)
“The dental profession should offer more programs for dentists who want to be able to administer general anesthesia.” (Massachusetts dentist)
“I.V Sedation is probably safer due to more direct route of administration.” (California dentist)

Filed Under: Dental Surveys, Sedation Dentistry Tagged With: conscious sedation, dentist, IV sedation, laughing gas, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, sedation dentistry

Pediatric Dental Sedation Ruffles Feathers Among Dentists

September 14, 2010 By Julie Frey 8 Comments

Dentists are divided over pediatric dental sedation. Our survey found that half of dentists approve of pediatric sedation dentistry (with proper training, of course), while one in three feels a general dentist should never sedate a child.

“Kids are a different breed from adults when it comes to sedation, and you REALLY have to have thorough training to sedate them,” said one dentist.

Among survey respondents, 54% say it's a great treatment modality that requires proper training; 11% are still am not certain of its safety; and 35% think general dentists should not be performing pediatric sedation.

Here's a sample of what dentists had to say about pediatric dental sedation:

“It is a great way to treat children. However, weekend courses do not give one adequate training to sedate children; one needs to be formally trained.” (Arizona pediatric dentist)
“Proper training and the use of modern equipment are the key.” (California dentist)
“This is the most delicate group of all patients, and the one that GP’s should be very cautious when treated. This also is the group that has the most incidents when sedation is performed.”(Florida dentist)
“It should be done more often.” (Orthodontist)
“Just ask an anesthesiologist. They all say NO!!! No one should!!!” (Massachusetts pediatric dentist)
“I am a pediatric dentist. I used to offer it in my practice. I have stopped since 2004. I recommend that it is used ONLY in a hospital setting.” (Massachusetts pediatric dentist)
“There are a small number of general dentists who will obtain the necessary training to SAFELY provide sedation services for children, but I can't for the life of me understand why they would want to.” (California oral surgeon)
“There is no excuse for inadequate training. You must be on top of your game and realize it is not successful all the time. Still will need a source where pedodontics can be done under a general anesthetic.” (Oklahoma dentist)
“Pediatric sedation should be performed only in a hospital setting and only for special-needs children. The rest of children do great if you will only be patient with them and do 'show and tell.' The most difficult children always, and I mean always, do great and overcome their fear if you give them time and love and show them how trust works.” (California children’s dentist)

Listen to what Dr. Michael Silverman has to say about DOCS Education’s evolving stance on the subject: Dental Continuing Education for Pediatric Sedation

Filed Under: Dental Surveys, Sedation Dentistry Tagged With: children, children's dentistry, conscious sedation, pediatric, pediatric dentistry, sedation dentistry

Sedation Dentistry Celebrates 10 Years with DOCS

June 16, 2010 By Jim Du Molin 1 Comment

It’s been 10 years since Dr. Michael Silverman and Jim Du Molin launched their first seminar for DOCS, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.

Though Jim wasn’t able to make it to Dr. Silverman’s anniversary celebration for DOCS, he sent along a video greeting. (Watch the video)

DOCS began some years before that first seminar. Dr. Silverman was working to lessen dental fear and dental anxiety for dental implant patients.

Jim was the dental consultant; Michael was the sedation dentist. Together, the two men worked out how to pitch sedation dentistry to the public, how to market conscious sedation, and how to work with patients who have dental phobia.

Over a decade later, the DOCS program has been a smashing success. Hear what Jim has to say about the anniversary of sedation dentistry‘s DOCS:

Sedation Dentistry: DOCS 10-Year Anniversary Video from Jim Du Molin

Filed Under: Dental Editorials Tagged With: conscious sedation, DOCS, OCS, oral conscious sedation, oral sedation, sedation dentistry

The Oral Conscious Sedation Dentist (video)

February 15, 2010 By Julie Frey 2 Comments

The sedation dentist has many tools to calm patients with dental anxiety, but one of the methods most commonly used is oral conscious sedation.

In our survey, two-thirds of dentists reported that their practices offer sedation dentistry with OCS.

“It is an excellent tool for the patient with dental fear who has not been to the dentist in years," offered one sedation dentist. "It is a major part of my practice."

“The regulations are overly onerous," said a pediatric dentist. "More rules and regulations won’t prevent irresponsible behavior–it will only prevent many competent practitioners from utilizing this modality."

“I have a permit to do IV sedation in addition to oral sedation, which does not work for at least 50% of patients," said another dentist.