About 175 years ago, a dentist in Hartford, Connecticut, extracted one of his own third molars to test the analgesic properties of nitrous oxide.
About 175 years ago, a dentist in Hartford, Connecticut, extracted one of his own third molars to test the analgesic properties of nitrous oxide. It was risky. But it paid off.
That’s a commitment to science right there.
It was Dr. Horace Wells’ introduction of nitrous oxide, and the demonstration of anesthetic properties of ether by Dr. William Morton, a student of Dr. Wells, that gave the gift of anesthesia to medicine and dentistry. Thanks, doctors!
And now, in 2019, dental anesthesiology has become the 10th dental specialty as recognized bythe National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. The recognition is a result of the National Commission adopting a resolution earlier this year based on an application from the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists to recognize dental anesthesiology as a dental specialty.
“This historic vote by the National Commission certainly reflects the ADA’s ongoing efforts towards improved patient care and safety in the areas of dental sedation, dental anesthesiology and access for those with special health care needs,” said Dr. James Tom, president of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists.
Dental anesthesiology joins the following dental specialties: dental public health; endodontics; oral and maxillofacial pathology; oral and maxillofacial radiology; oral and maxillofacial surgery; orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics; pediatric dentistry; periodontics; and prosthodontics.
Dental specialties are recognized and selected “to protect the public, nurture the art and science of dentistry and improve the quality of care,” according to the National Commission website.
A sponsoring organization seeking specialty recognition for a discipline of dentistry must document that the discipline satisfies six requirements, as outlined in the “Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties.”
Additionally, the sponsoring organization of the proposed specialty must provide documentation to show that it is a distinct and well-defined field that requires unique knowledge and skills beyond those commonly possessed by dental school graduates; that it requires advanced knowledge and skills; and that it scientifically contributes new knowledge, education and research in both the field, and the profession.
Check, check and check. Welcome to the family, dental anesthesiologists.
