According to the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation, an estimated 2.8 million people in Maryland and an additional 430,000 people in Delaware are in need of dental care, but are too fearful to go to the dentist. Nationwide the statistics are even more staggering with an estimate 90 million Americans foregoing routine dental care due to fear. Not surprisingly this unmet need has greatly increased the popularity of sedation dentistry throughout the United States. So if you are considering sedation dentistry how can you find the dentist that’s right for you?
Certification. Continuing Education and Experience
Although the criteria for choosing a sedation dentist is similar to finding any doctor, since certification requirements and regulations vary from state to state patients need to do their homework. In Maryland the State Board of Dental Examiners requires a dentist to perform 24 hours of instructive classroom training with 20 clinical patient experiences and obtain a Class 1 permit. Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification or board-approved airway management training is also required. In the state of Delaware clinical course training is required, but not life support certification.
In addition to certifications, find out how long the dentist has been providing sedation dentistry and if they pursue continuing education to keep their skills up to date. Focus on certification, continuing education, and experience to guide your decision-making. Once you have a pool of qualified dentists narrow your choices down by using referrals from family and friends.
“Experience and trust go hand in hand when you are talking about sedation dentistry,” says Patricia E. Higgins, D.D.S. of Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins, Denton. The practice has been providing sedation dentistry to their patients since 2001. “When you are afraid or need to condense multiple appointments into one you want to know that your dentist is not only qualified and meets all professional and state requirements, but also has handled hundreds of cases just like yours,” she adds.
Learn more at free open house
Area residents interested in learning more about sedation dentistry are invited to a free open house on Thursday, September 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by the staff at Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins, 10646 River Road, Denton. The program is designed to provide information in a casual setting with the practice’s staff and actual patients available to address questions and concerns.
Attendees will receive an information packet, which includes a certificate for a complimentary new patient exam and xrays valued at $256. The free event also includes refreshments. Space is limited. To register for the open house call (410) 479-3644 in Maryland or (800) 617-3644 in Delaware.
Candidates for sedation dentistry
Common reasons for choosing sedation dentistry include:
• Fear of the dentist
• Traumatic previous dental experiences
• Difficulty getting numb
• Severe gag reflex
• Want to collapse multiple visits into one
• Hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care
To learn more about sedation dentistry or the open house, call (410) 479-3644 in Maryland or (800) 617-3644 in Delaware. Residents who are unable to attend the open house can set up a free private, confidential consultation. Visit www.smilesby.com to download a copy of the “Eliminating Your Fear” free report.