Pediatric dentist, Dr. Jeanette MacLean, back in the New York Times discussing sedation safety

Dr. Jeanette MacLean was quoted again in a recent New York Times article, Should Kids Be Sedated for Dental Work? addressing the need for parents to receive proper informed consent prior to agreeing to sedation or anesthesia for their child’s dental work.  “The bottom line is parents should be told the risks, benefits and alternatives, Dr. MacLean said. “If not, get a second opinion.”  While sedation may sometimes be necessary for the extremely young or fearful patient with extensive dental needs involving pain and infection, it is not without risk and should not be the first line of defense.  Non-invasive treatments such a silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or temporary fillings can often buy time or eliminate the need for sedation.  The article references back to their SDF article from last summer, A Cavity-Fighting Liquid Lets Kids Avoid Dentists’ Drills,  which also featured Dr. MacLean.  Dr. MacLean also points out, “Anyone can work on a patient who is knocked out,” said Dr. Jeanette MacLean, a pediatric dentist in Glendale, Ariz., adding, “Behavior management is a dying art form.”