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)

Read more: Pediatric Sedation Dentistry Causes Disagreement Among Dentists

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