A survey study of sedation training in advanced pediatric dentistry programs: thoughts of program directors and students.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to survey program directors and students of advanced pediatric dentistry training programs in the United States on sedation issues.

METHODS

Surveys were sent to the target audiences. Questions contained response categories ranging from fill-in-the-blank, Likert-order scale style, and categorical. The surveys resided on SurveyMonkey. A cover letter emphasizing such issues as anonymity of responses was sent via e-mail to participants using the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry listserv. The responses were downloaded and subsequently analyzed using SPSS statistical software.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 49% of program directors and 17% of students. Experience with different routes of sedative administration varied from "none" (even with the oral route) to "significant." Oral midazolam was the most-often used route and sedative. Restraint was reportedly used by the majority of programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies should be developed to strengthen consistency of competencies in sedation practices across academic training programs.