ADA Sedation Update

As many of you are aware, the ADA House of Delegates directed CDEL (Committee on Dental Examination and Licensure) to develop new Guidelines for the Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists for Pediatric Patients.  These guidelines would replace the currently endorsed joint guidelines from AAPD and the American Academy of Pediatrics.   

AAPD and numerous stakeholders submitted extensive feedback during the recent public comment period. Subsequently AAPD received communication from the Chair of CDEL, noting that the Council received more than 450 comments, many of them substantial and highly detailed. Given the unprecedented volume and complexity of the feedback, CDEL has directed its Anesthesiology Committee to resume work on the guidelines, conduct a thorough review of the comments, and continue refining the document.  Initially the plan was to have the ADA HOD vote on the new guidelines in Indianapolis in October of this year.  Now it will not be sent to the HOD prior to 2027.  There will also likely be further public comment in early 2027.

This is a significant win for children and our specialty.  These guidelines are highly complex with many stakeholders, and the final format should only be released after careful review and extensive discussion of the issues and evidence.  AAPD has consistently advocated for policies that promote safe pediatric sedation practices.

The AAPD PAC

Now more than ever the AAPD PAC needs your help.  AAPD PAC advocates in support of the AAPD mission of optimal oral health for all children. In doing so, it provides steadfast support for our members to do what they do best: care for children.  AAPD takes a multifaceted approach to advocacy.  Much of AAPDs’ efforts are local, in person grass roots style.  This type of advocacy is a very effective and important avenue but as we all know it is money that really opens doors.  As AAPD PAC Chair, Dr. John Gibbons says, “Money is the language of advocacy.”  

All contributions to the PAC are appreciated but it’s the hard dollars (money from your personal account) that are necessary for the PAC to truly be successful.  Those hard dollars are used to make contributions directly to congressional campaigns and help amplify AAPDs advocacy message.  Please give today to assist AAPD in advocating on behalf of our members and the children we serve.   https://www.aapd.org/advocacy/aapd-pac/