Dentistry

Biography

Biography: James E. Jones

Abstract

Dental decay in children continues to be a significant problem. The World Health Organization reports that, worldwide, 60–90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities. Significant risk factors in children include an unhealthy diet, poor oral hygiene and social determinants. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the use of office-based general anesthesia, provided by a dentist anesthesiologist, by pediatric dentists practicing in the United States. This information can provide much needed care for the very young child, or children with special needs, with significant dental decay in a cost effective manner. Pediatric dentists have traditionally relied upon self-administered sedation techniques, or the use of general anesthesia in the operating room, to provide care for those patients not able to undergo treatment in the regular office environment. Recent research has demonstrated that the use of dentist anesthesiologists to provide office-based general anesthesia is an emerging trend in the United States. Research findings included: (1) Over 70% of board-certified US pediatric dentists use some form of sedation in their offices; (2) Less than 20% administer IV sedation; (3) 20 to 40% use a dentist anesthesiologist and (4) 60 to 70% would use dentist anesthesiologists if one were available.A review of 750 patients that received dental care under general anesthesia provided by the author was evaluated as to patient age, primary medical diagnosis and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification 1 to 4. Candidates for office-based general anesthesia (ASA types 1 and 2) were identified and a basic cost analysis was completed for those receiving care in the operating room as compared to if treatment had been provided in the office environment. Discussion of the results will be provided.