DENTISTS: Mobile SAF-D™ Solution

The History
Traditionally, dentists have had just a few anesthesia options: a combination of local anesthetics and anti-anxiety agents such nitrous oxide; performing IV sedation themselves; using an ambulatory anesthesia provider for general anesthesia in their office; or scheduling procedures requiring general anesthesia to be performed at hospitals or surgery centers.

Unfortunately, each of these solutions can be problematic for dentists. According to statement issued by the ADA in October 2007, dentists qualified to utilize sedation and general anesthesia in their practices are limited to using only those drugs and techniques in which they are trained. Not in itself a problem, but it does restrict dentists in their choice of anesthesia and treatment which can result in a less comfortable experience for their patients.

Further, dentists must also assume responsibility for all the pre- and post-operative care of their patients, including equipping their offices with all the necessary emergency drugs, equipment, and appropriately trained staff. Many dentists find the additional expense, licensure and accreditation hassles associated with this privilege to be time-consuming and costly. Not to mention, with the recent news spotlight on anesthesia related deaths, they have increased worries about liability.

Alternatively, if dentists choose to schedule their procedures at hospitals or use traditional office-based ambulatory sedation services, it can be cost-prohibitive for their patients. Because the anesthesia administered is usually invasive, labor intensive and performed on a case by case basis, it can be very expensive, averaging between $2-3K. For patients already suffering from high out-of-pocket expenses and limited payor reimbursement, it may not be a viable alternative.

The Mobile Solution
Mobile is suggesting a kinder, gentler approach to dental anesthesia. Mobile Safe Anesthesia For Dentists, or Mobile SAF-D™, is a new method providing deep sedation for short-duration less complex dental cases requiring anesthesia, such as multiple fillings, crowns, extractions, and root canals.

• Greatly reduces anesthesia induction and recovery time
• Is more cost-effective and convenient for dentists and patients
• Is less invasive for patients
• Provides a safe environment of care

In addition, dental professionals benefit from:

• More efficient caseload handling
• Reduced liability concerns
• A renewed ability to focus on the dental aspects of their procedures

What is Mobile SAF-D?
Mobile SAF-D is a modified form of anesthesia based on a model employed by Dr. Dennis Stone, a well-known Florida pediatric anesthesiologist. Mobile SAF-D™ uses the medication Propofol as the primary agent, which can be easily titrated up or down by an anesthesiologist based on patient reaction to dental stimulus and the depth of anesthesia needed. The majority of the agents utilized by dentists (i.e. Demerol, Fentanyl) are not as easily titrated and the dentist must divide their attention between the dental procedure and the safe monitoring of patient vitals such as airway and respiratory status. With Mobile SAF-D, the dentist can concentrate on the teeth exclusively and not worry about the safe sedation of the patient.

The Child Patient
Mobile SAF-D is of special interest to pediatric dental practices where reduced time in the dental chair is of even greater significance to younger, often fearful, patients. A child's inability to separate pain and fear often necessitates the use of sedation not just to relieve pain, but to help keep them still for tedious or involved dental procedures.

For pediatric patients, Mobile SAF-D:

• Eliminates undue stress on young patients by enabling dental procedures to be performed in the dentist's office, rather than in an hospital environment, which may seem scary and unfamiliar
• Puts the child and parents more at ease due to its less invasive approach and faster recovery time
• Is often more affordable because of the reduced length of procedure
• Is more convenient for parents, eliminating travel to a new or separate location

Tampa Bay area pediatric dentists have already begun utilizing Mobile SAF-D™ in their practices and have testified to the positive effects it has on their practices and patients. To find out more about contracting Mobile anesthesia services, call toll-free 866-997-7770 or email info@zzzmd.com.