Last weekend, I spent two days attending continuing education on IV sedation. After more than 20 years of providing IV sedation dentistry, some people might wonder why I still spend my weekends sitting in a classroom.
The answer is simple. I never want to stop learning.
Dentistry is always changing. There is new research, new medications, better techniques, and updated safety recommendations. I think if we ever get to the point where we believe we know everything, that’s when we stop growing. My patients deserve better than that.
One of the speakers said something that made the whole room laugh.
“Dentists will give injections, remove teeth, and place implants all day long, but many are still afraid to start an IV.”
There is some truth to that. Every dentist remembers placing their first IV. It takes training, practice, and experience to become comfortable with it. Even after all these years, I still enjoy learning from other dentists and hearing about different techniques and experiences. There is always something I can take back to my own practice.
But as I sat through the course, I realized the biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years really has nothing to do with IVs.
It’s about people.
One thing I’ve learned after all these years is that dental fear is real.
We see patients every week who have avoided the dentist for years because of anxiety. Some had a bad experience when they were younger. Some are embarrassed because it’s been a long time since their last visit. Others have been told they need treatment that feels overwhelming. Whatever the reason, fear is usually at the center of it.
Just last week, a patient came into our office in tears. She had been told somewhere else that she was going to lose all of her teeth. She honestly believed there was no hope.
After we completed a thorough examination, we were able to show her that her teeth could be saved with the right treatment plan. By the end of the appointment, she wasn’t crying anymore. She left with hope instead of fear.
Those are the appointments that remind me why I chose this profession.
People sometimes think IV sedation is just about helping someone relax during a procedure. It certainly does that, but to me it’s about much more than that.
Sometimes IV sedation gives people the confidence to finally get the treatment they’ve been putting off for years. It helps patients with severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or complex treatment needs receive the care they’ve been avoiding. Watching someone realize that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a frightening experience is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
That’s also why I continue taking courses like this one. Continuing education isn’t just about earning CE credits. It’s about making sure I’m providing the safest care I can and giving my patients every advantage modern dentistry has to offer.
If you or someone you care about has been avoiding the dentist because of fear or anxiety, please know you are not alone. We meet patients in that situation every day, and there is never any judgment. We simply want to help you feel comfortable, answer your questions, and find a treatment plan that works for you.
Sometimes the hardest part is making the first appointment. After that, we’ll take it one step at a time.