Trends in General Anesthesia Utilization by Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the trends and utilization of general anesthesia services among board-certified pediatric dentists practicing in the United States. Methods: A 26 item survey was sent to 4,216 board-certified pediatric dentists by REDCap or mail. Results were tabulated, and trends were analyzed. Results: A response rate of 31.8 percent was obtained. All American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry districts were represented proportionally. Most respondents (87 percent) reported using general anesthesia (GA) in their practices. Those who used GA, 50.4 percent reported using a hospital setting, and 60.5 percent used a physician anesthesiologist. Endotracheal intubation was the most common (88.5 percent) method of anesthesia delivery. Most diplomates (62.6 percent) favored dental anesthesiology as a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association. Conclusions: The majority of American Board of Pediatric Dentistry diplomates used general anesthesia in their practice. The preferred modality of delivery is oral/nasal intubation, with most services provided by physician anesthesiologists in a hospital/ambulatory setting. Physician anesthesiologists are inclined to provide care in a hospital-based setting. Dentist anesthesiologists provided care in the dental office. Most respondents support dental anesthesiology as a recognized specialty of the American Dental Association.