369 - Pediatric Dentists’ Sedation Practices Following Dental Anesthesiology’s Specialty Recognition, Curtis S, Walters K, (Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN)

Purpose: To identify changes in sedation practices of pediatric dentists and intended sedation practices of pediatric dental residents following the recognition of dental anesthesiology as a specialty in 2019.

Methods: A 12-question survey was distributed to practicing pediatric dentists and residents regarding current sedation practices, changes in sedation practices over the last 5 years, and plans for future sedation practices.

Results: Forty-eight % of pediatric dentists reported use of in-office deep sedation administered by an outside anesthesia provider, while 46% reported use of in-office general anesthesia administered by an outside anesthesia provider.  Regarding preference for specialty certification of outside anesthesia providers, 35% of pediatric dentists reported a preference for using a dental anesthesiologist and 36% reported a preference for using an anesthesiologist.  Practitioners reported dental anesthesiologists were the most available type of anesthesia provider, closely followed by anesthesiologists.  Forty % of pediatric dentists reported an increase in utilization of in-office deep sedation over the past 5 years.  Sixty-one % of practitioners reported no change in the use of dental anesthesiologists and 36% reported increased utilization of dental anesthesiologists since dental anesthesiology become a recognized specialty.

Conclusion: Pediatric dentists reported increased utilization of in-office deep sedation administered by anesthesia providers over the last 5 years.  Dental anesthesiologists were the type of anesthesia provider most available for use by pediatric dentists.  Most practitioners report either unchanged or increased usage of dental anesthesiologists in their practices since dental anesthesiology become a recognized specialty.