Relaxed, Comfortable Dental Visits—Glen Ellyn (near Chicago)

As an anesthesiologist, I have watched this catch on in my state (Illinois). I even was good friends with a dentist who undertook a 4 day course to offer the oral sedation (Halcion/triazolam). I am concerned that non-medical physicians are offering deeper states of sedation, with no medical residency training. It is not what you don't know that can get you into trouble; it's what you don't know that you don't know...

There are dentists that take a weekend course in sedation. The sedation I practice requires a separate state license by the State of Illinois, which requires university training. I also believe a Dr. practicing sedation should have a ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support certificate. We do work with a medical anesthesiologist WHEN NEEDED and consult with physicians as the individual case warrants. I agree that proper training is necessary. The just a little pill folks are risking trouble!

I would offer one more caveat: Make sure there is a professional trained and certified in anesthesia who will be doing your anesthetic, and a separate professional who will be doing your procedure. Practicing two professional roles simultaneously - managing an anesthetic (particularly for deeper states) while doing a medical/dental procedure is asking for problems. There are oral surgeons in my town who tag team: one does the procedure, the other, the anesthesia. This seems like due prudence

This really hits home. It's nice to know there are doctors who care how I feel.

I;'m passing this on to someone who needs help!