July 11, 2017

In a Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly (7/9) broadcast, national correspondent Kate Snow discussed the practice of sedating children for dental procedures. According to NBC News, the American Academy of Pediatrics and others are examining the practice and calling for new guidelines after some children have experienced adverse reactions to sedation during dental procedures.

While covering the story, TODAY (7/10) notes that “dentists have been using sedation drugs to keep kids calm during procedures” for decades. In an article on its website, TODAY (7/10, Carroll) also shares several questions parents can ask dentists before their children undergo sedation.

The Oral Health Topics on ADA.org provides information on anesthesia and sedation for dental professionals, including guidelines for the use of sedation and general anesthesia by dentists, and the ADA policy statement on the use of sedation and general anesthesia by dentists.

In the case of children 12 and younger, the ADA’s sedation and general anesthesia guidelines direct dental professionals to the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, which were created specifically for children.

Patient resources on sedation and anesthesia are available for parents and caregivers on MouthHealthy.org.