Conscious sedation attitudes and perceptions: a survey of american academy of pediatric dentistry members.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and perceptions of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPDM) members regarding conscious sedation. METHODS: A 22-item survey was e-mailed to 4,358 active AAPD members to identify factors that influence pediatric dentists' practice of conscious sedation in their dental offices. Bivariate and logistic regression models were used to analyze data. RESULTS: A total of 1,219 surveys were returned (28% response rate); 743 (63%) respondents practiced conscious sedation. Help in providing dental care for patients difficult to manage was the primary reason reported for practicing conscious sedation. Conversely, not wanting the liability related to conscious sedation was the main reason reported by those who don't sedate. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that dentists were significantly more likely to perform conscious sedation if they practiced more than 3 days a week (P>.03), had 11% or more patients with public insurance (P>.02), and rated their sedation training as "good or excellent" (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among respondents, the attitudes of those who practice conscious sedation varied significantly from those who don't with location of the practice and the quality of their sedation training as significant influences on this decision.