Comparison of Procedures, Time and Fees Associated with Procedural Sedation and General Anesthesia in a Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program

Abstract

Purpose: To compare dental procedures, time, success rates and fees associated with pediatric dental treatment using oral moderate sedation (SED) and general anesthesia (GA) in a pediatric dentistry residency program. Methods: This retrospective chart review included a convenience sample of 50 patients between 2016 and 2017 who received SED and 50 patients who received GA for dental treatment. Healthy 24- to 71-month old Medicaid-insured patients who received restorative dental treatment were included. Treatment time and procedure codes were abstracted from the dental record. Fees were calculated based upon the pharmacologic modality utilized to complete each patient's treatment plan. Results: On average, GA patients were younger (P <0.001) and received a greater number (12.8 versus 5.6; P <0.001) and complexity of dental procedures than those in the SED group ( P <0.001). Pharmacologic fees associated with GA were higher ($653 for GA, $137 for SED, P <0.001). The overall SED success rate was 66 percent and significantly differed by the number of visits required, with the highest success rate (74 percent) at the second visit (P =0.011). Conclusions: Procedures performed, time, success rates and associated fees differed significantly between SED and GA. These characteristics should be considered when planning treatment for pediatric patients.