Use of sedation and general anesthesia in pediatric dental care

Notice Santécom: 126525

In certain situations, providing pediatric dental care may require the use of minimal sedation or general anesthesia. In Québec, dental treatment under minimal sedation is administered by general dentists and pediatric dentists in private practice, but sedation is not covered by the public plan. General anesthesia is available in hospitals and in outpatient settings and is generally covered by the public plan for children under 10 years of age.

This state of knowledge report presents:

• indications/contraindications related to use of sedation (particularly minimal) and general anesthesia;
• efficacy and risks;
• impact of use on the quality of life and the care experience of patients and their parents;
• a synthesis of recommendations and guidelines on the requirements for the safe use of sedation and general anesthesia in pediatric dentistry;
• a brief description of the use of general anesthesia in pediatric dental care for the period from 2010 to 2018.