http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_anesthesiology
Dental anesthesiology training is usually 24 to 36 months in length and accredited and overseen by CODA. The American Dental Board of Anesthesiology examines and certifies dentists who complete an accredited program of anesthesiology training in the United States or Canada. Dentists may then apply for Board Certification through the ADBA which requires ongoing and continual post-graduate education for maintenance.[1]1
The training usually consists of 2-4 months devoted to hospital based internal medicine rotations with cardiac and pediatric focus. During this time the residents will function alongside physician residents in caring for hospital patients outside of the operating room. Training includes grand rounds, and full time coverage of hospital in-patients. The residents are expected to gain a working knowledge of how patients with symptoms ranging from end-stage renal disease to hypertension to cardiac failure are cared for in a hospital setting. The residents usually do not provide or perform any anesthesia procedures during this time, focusing instead on general medicine.
At least a year is then spent working in a hospital as anesthesiology residents. Most programs will put their residents alongside 1st and 2nd year physician anesthesiology residents ( known as CA-1 and CA-2) providing anesthesia for all cases provided at the hospital. The resident is exposed to all types of surgeries with the hope of getting a full experience in anesthesiology. The residents will usually rotate along with the medical residents to various units (cardiac, pediatric, and neuro), as well as out patient Surgery Centers if available. The resident will train in the PACU and ICU at most programs to further understanding of perioperative medicine. Dental residents will usually have limited exposure to regional anesthesia and specialty cases depending on the program.
Another 9-12 months is spent focusing specifically on anesthesia provided for dental and maxillofacial cases. Programs with attached dental schools allow the residents to hone skills providing anesthesia for oral surgeons, pediatric dentists, general dentists, and all specialists for any patient requiring anesthesia for dental care. The procedures requiring anesthesia range from major orthognathic surgery, trauma services, to normal dentistry being provided for special needs, pediatric, and patients anxious about dental care.
Many programs will give the resident the chance to participate in mobile anesthesia in which equipment is brought to a private practice to provide in office anesthesia. This requires specific training as mobile anesthesia units vary from large hospital providing units. There is also a greater demand on the anesthesiologist for post-anesthesia care in office, as it is usually handled by PACU nurses in a hospital. The mobile anesthetist must also be qualified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
There are 9 programs in the United States. They include : 1. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center 2. Loma Linda University Medical Center 3. University of California Los Angeles 4. The Ohio State University Medical Center 5. Stony Brook University Dental School 6. Wyckoff Heights Medical Center 7. St. Barnabas Hospital 8. Lutheran Medical Center 9. Jacobi Medical Center
Following training residents are eligible to take the NDBA board examination. Upon completion of the exam eligible candidates can apply for state permits allowing them to provide Geneal Anesthesia and Deep Sedation in a hospital or private office. There are various regulations varying by the state. With a permit dental anesthesiologists have a number of options available to practice. Some choose to act solely as anesthesia providers for other dentists and dental specialists. This may be done at available Surgery Centers or on a mobile basis. The dental anesthesiologist may also practice dentistry with the aid of General Anesthesia. A smaller number of dental anesthesiologists work in hospitals and medical centers. Most work as teaching faculty along side a dental residency, but some act solely as anesthesiologists focusing on maxillo-facial surgeries requiring anesthesia. The dental anesthesiologist is also licensed to supervise CRNAs (nurse anesthetists) in a hospital or private setting.
With so few programs it is extremely competitive as an area of study. As of 2011 there are 27 open spots. Salary reports vary widely due to the small amount of practitioners and a large variance in practice styles. Dental anesthesiologists at surgery centers will usually command 300-800 dollars an hour[citation needed] where as in office mobile anesthetists may charge more.
As of June 1st, 2011, the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists has submitted an application to the American Dental Association in order to recognize Dental Anesthesiology as a specialty within the practice of dentistry. The issue will be voted upon and decided by November 2012.
... therefore, he doesn't know any better. They do fine... but to insinuate that they may be superior is just funny.
