Safety Protocols
The ADA recommends asking the following questions of your dentist before a sedation procedure. You can see the full article HERE.
Who will provide the preoperative evaluation of my child including their past medical history such as allergies, current prescription medications, and previous illnesses and hospitalizations?
One of our board certified pediatric dental providers will evaluate your child on the day of your initial consultation and again on the day of treatment. You will be asked about changes in medical history, medications, illnesses, and hospitalizations at each appointment. Please be prepared to provide accurate names of any medications your child is taking, whether prescription or over the counter, as well as dates and details regarding any changes in medical history or injuries.
Will any sedation medication be given to my child at home prior to their coming to the office?
No. All sedatives will be administered in the office by a doctor.
What training and experience does the provider have in providing the level of sedation or anesthesia that is planned?
Our board certified pediatric dentists undergo an additional two years of specialized pediatric training in order to administer oral conscious sedation. In addition to training, the doctor holds a special permit to perform sedation on children. The state board regularly inspects dental offices with sedation permits to check for proper pre-op screening practices, safety protocols, and emergency response protocols. CDCI has passed this inspection.
CDCI is proud to partner with Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates for our patient’s IV anesthesia needs. For more information on PDAA and their team- please click here.
Does the staff assisting in the procedure have current training in emergency response?
Yes. All of our staff hold Basic Life Support CPR certifications for providers – even the front desk and non-clinical staff. Medical emergency training and drills are held every 3 months, which exceeds the state’s requirement of only one training session per year. The office is equipped with all necessary emergency rescue equipment, which is checked regularly to maintain good working order, and all staff is trained to use the equipment.
In addition to the use of local anesthesia (numbing), what level of sedation or general anesthesia will be given to my child? What do these levels mean?
Every child’s needs are different. The doctor will discuss your child’s sedation/anesthesia needs with you in detail at the time of your consultation.
Our office provides the following levels of sedation:
- Level I – relaxed and awake. Example: nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Level II – sleepy, but awake. Example: oral conscious sedation
- Level III – asleep. Example: IV anesthesia with a dental anesthesiologist present
Will the sedation/anesthesia provider give me instructions and emergency contact information if there are any concerns or complications after returning home?
Yes. You will receive written instructions and at the time of your initial consultation and on the day of treatment. Our staff will review these instructions with you in person and answer any questions you may have. Our staff will give you a follow up call after treatment to make sure your child is doing well at home. A dental provider is available 24/7 for dental emergencies by calling the main office number (214-484-3199) and following the prompts to page a doctor.
