The American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists (ASDA) has submitted its Application for Recognition of Anesthesiology as a Dental Specialty to the American Dental Association (ADA).The announcement was made by ASDA president Michael Mashni, DDS. The application will be addressed by ADA's 2012 House of Delegates.

"Our organization believes that it is vital that the provision of anesthesia be codified as a part of organized dentistry," said Dr. Mashni. "Submitting this application for specialty recognition is the logical next step." The ASDA also adopted new Parameters of Care for Dentist Anesthesiologists during the General Assembly of Members earlier this year.

The ASDA asserts that recognition of dental anesthesiology is mandatory to extending access to care to compromised or dentally-disadvantaged patients. The patients facing formidable barriers to care who most often require anesthesia for non-surgical procedures include:

• those with tremor disorders, such as Parkinson's disease for whom involuntary movement could cause injury;
• older adults with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, who may be unable to cooperate.
• children and adults on the autism spectrum who may have communications challenges;
• children with ADD or ADHD for whom sitting still for extended periods of time may be impossible;
• those with developmental disabilities, such as Down Syndrome, who may have difficulty following directions;
• patients with cerebral palsy or other conditions that cause involuntary muscle motion;
• patients with psychiatric disorders such as psychosis or schizophrenia;
• toddlers and children whose teeth are diseased from baby bottle tooth decay; and
• patients who are traumatized by dental treatment.

"Both the adoption of the Parameters of Care and the Application for Recognition of Anesthesiology as a Dental Specialty are designed with our patients in mind," noted Dr. Mashni. "Dentist Anesthesiologists provide the full spectrum of anesthesia services to meet every patient challenge. In many cases, the use of anesthesia allows for far more humane treatment of patients, especially those with special needs or complex medical challenges," he added.

"Ultimately," said Dr. Mashni, "the ASDA's Application for Recognition of Anesthesiology as a Dental Specialty is designed to enhance the capabilities of the dental team and improve patient care by removing barriers."

CDEL extends comment period on application for ASDA specialty recognition

The ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure has extended the call for comment period on the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists' application for specialty recognition.

Written comments should be submitted to council director Karen Hart by Oct. 15. Written comment from individuals and organizations must relate directly to the Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties.

ASDA's application for recognition as a dental specialty is available for ADA members to view at www.ada.org/104.aspx.

The council will consider the application and all comments received at its November meeting. CDEL's recommendations regarding this application will be forwarded to the 2012 ADA House of Delegates.

Comments may be mailed, emailed or faxed to: Council on Dental Education and Licensure, American Dental Association, 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; hartk@ada.org (email); or 1-312-440-2915 (fax). Questions may be directed to Ext. 2825.

• NO Set-up, Front Loaded Charges
• NO Pharmacy/Equipment Charges
• NO Minimum Charges (South Orange County)
  
• NO Travel Charges
• 30 years experience in dental anesthesia with a perfect safety record.