Are Special Care Dentistry Services Prepared for a Global Disruption in Healthcare? A Call for a Wider Promotion of Dental Conscious Sedation Training

Abstract

Recently, calls for prompt and smart reform of dental education and postgraduate training have been made, reflecting the current global healthcare needs and addressing the most common problems faced by dental care providers. Objectives: Herewith, we propose the enhancement of multilevel dental training in dental conscious sedation (DCS), in order to meet the increasing demands associated with current and post-pandemic times. The temporary suspension of general anaesthesia and hospital-based sedation provision in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) revealed the urgent need for more efficient utilization of a variety of forms of DCS. Whilst the global spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has particularly challenged dental sedation teams in community services, the appropriate preparation for similar disruptions in future should be undertaken proactively. In response, dental schools and commissioners are obliged to implement innovations in teaching, with the development of new programs supporting trainer–trainee interactions and focusing on practical sedation skills. Conclusions: The joint efforts of educators, healthcare providers, and commissioners, as well as adequate and robust DCS training utilizing a variety of teaching methods, would allow our profession to face the growing demand for pain and anxiety control measures in light of the current situation, which may increase even further over time. Decision makers are urged to consider making training in DCS more accessible, meeting current healthcare demands, and equally providing essential support for the special dental care sector.

Estimating the Need for Sedation in Patients with Dental Anxiety and Medical Complexities Reporting to Tertiary Care Dental Hospital Using the IOSN Tool

“…While comparing the medical risk factors score, most (59.5%) of the participants belonged to the group ASA Grade I while the remaining (40.5%) belonged to Grade II. Another recent study by Dziedzic et al highlighted the crucial role of the comprehensive assessment strategy in medically compromised and special care patients for safe delivery of conscious sedation as an alternative to general anaesthesia for vulnerable patient group [ 23 ].…”

The impact of COVID-19 on access to dental care for people with disabilities: a global survey during the COVID-19 first wave lockdown

“…when restrictions had eased or were easing) (p<0.001). and sedation services, and mass repurposing of public oral health professionals (10,19,20). It seemed that people with disabilities were facing novel barriers to oral health and access to appropriate oral care, superimposed upon existing barriers to care.…”

“…Bearing this preexisting inequity in mind, lockdown led to additional barriers: anecdotal evidence emerged of unmet urgent dental needs among people with disabilities, declining access to dental general anesthesia and sedation services, and mass repurposing of public oral health professionals ( 10 , 19 , 20 ). It seemed that people with disabilities were facing novel barriers to oral health and access to appropriate oral care, superimposed upon existing barriers to care.…”

Domiciliary dentistry during pandemic time: Enabling access to dental care and supporting persons with disabilities

“…6 Accordingly, the commissioner's efforts are focusing on improving accessibility for this group of people. 7 This aim can be achieved by using additional service facilities such as mobile dental clinics or DD within the community setting.…”