There are a number of things to consider when selecting a sedation dentist, including location, availability, and services offered. It is possible to find listings of local dentists offering sedation dentistry through professional organizations or by looking in the phone book to generate a list of potential candidates. Some may have websites, allowing prospective patients to do research very easily, while in other cases it may be necessary to call to get information from the staff.
Sedation dentists offer varying levels of sedation to keep patients calm and relaxed during procedures. This can be helpful for people who experience stress at the dentist's office. A subspeciality, pediatric sedation dentistry, is focused on providing care to children with minimal trauma. The location of the dentist can be an important factor as, depending on the procedure, it may be necessary to get a ride home or take public transit while the sedative wears off, and some locations are more convenient than others.
The services offered at a dental office can also vary, and may be important for patients to know about. While basic things like tooth cleaning and general exams are usually always available, specialty procedures, as well as things like fillings with unique amalgams, may not be offered by all dentists. When looking for a sedation dentist, people should consider why they need to see the sedation dentist and should get a list of offices that can meet their needs. Office amenities may also be a consideration for some patients; some offices, for instance, are located in a suite of personal care offices, and patients may be able to visit massage therapists, dermatologists, and so forth at the same location.
Many dentists have very busy schedules, and availability can be a limiting factor. While holes are left in the schedule for emergencies, patients who need more routine dental care may need to wait weeks or months. New patients concerned about availability at the office of a sedation dentist can ask the staff about how long they will need to wait.
Professional qualifications of a sedation dentist, including training, experience, and membership in a professional organization, should also be evaluated. The more qualifications, the better the standard of care will be, as a general rule. Prospective patients can ask where their dentists trained and should be able to get their medical license numbers to look them up in a database; any complaints against the dentist, as well as punitive actions taken, will be noted. Patients can also find out if the dentist belongs to any professional organizations, and learn more about the requirements for membership by contacting those organizations. Rigorous organizations typically expect an examination and continuing education requirements of their members.
