How to Find a Sedation Dentist

Sedation dentistry is the practice of dentistry using oral sedatives to help calm patients with problems such as anxiety, a severe gag reflex, difficulty getting numb or physical limitations such as neck or shoulder stiffness. Sedation dentists participate in special training seminars to learn the most effective methods of using sedatives to practice effective dentistry. Finding a sedation dentist is an easy process.

Instructions

Finding a sedation dentist

• 1

  Search online resource Web sites such as Dentalrelaxation.com or Sedationcare.com to find a sedation dentist near you.

• 2

  Search online resources provided by organizations that train sedation dentists. One main training organization, DOCS Education, maintains a searchable database on its Web site, Docseducation.com. Although the American Dental Association's Web site features scientific articles discussing sedation, it does not provide information on which of its member dentists use sedation.

• 3

  Call each nearby sedation dentist. Ask the staff about the doctor's training and education. Has the dentist had special training in sedation dentistry? What programs has he attended? How many patients use sedation during procedures? What successes has he had with the procedures? Also ask any other questions that come to mind.

• 4

  Narrow down your choices based on the responses to your questions. Call your final choice and make an appointment.