Challenges Ahead for Advanced Training Programs in Pediatric Dentistry in the Area of Sedation for Pediatric Dentists and the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Amongst the challenges faced by advanced training programs in pediatric dentistry is adequate preparation of its students or residents to make use of the most effective and safe sedative
agents and combinations for managing the diverse range of non coping behaviors of pre-cooperative and non-cooperative pediatric patients. The dilemma is complicated by a number of factors.
Foremost is a constricted interval of time in which to acquire sufficient exposure and expertise in both didactic and clinical applications. Having sufficient patient populations reflecting various
levels of patient apprehension, resistance, and dental pathology has potential to limit student and resident experience is another complication.
Fulfillment of accreditation standards in this area is recognizably a challenge for some if not many programs. Didactic training must include sufficient exposure and knowledge of both classical and contemporary literature that provides clinical opinion, substantive retrospective and prospective evidence-based support of the efficacy, safety and recovery parameters for numerous agents for successful management of patient anxiety and resistive behaviors. Knowledge and proficiency in physical diagnosis and pharmacology of sedative and analgesic medication are prerequisite skills to
demonstrate competency.
A critical and comprehensive review of the existing pediatric sedation literature from the perspective of pediatricians, anesthesiologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and pediatric dental specialists reveals a paucity of controlled investigations to clarify let alone shed considerable light on what agents have proven track records of efficacy and safety. Compliance and safety concerns however within training programs falls under the auspices of the program director and faculty in attendance.
Pediatr Neonatal Nurs Open J. 2019; 6(1): e8-e9. doi: 10.17140/PNNOJ-6-e010
