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Anesthesia is an integral component of dentistry. Dentists can provide anxiety-free dental care using numerous sedative techniques obtained through advanced education. The ADSA is the organization that represents and respects all dental anesthesia providers across the entire spectrum of anesthesia and pain control in dentistry. In order to recognize dentists advanced training in dental the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology established the College of Sedation in Dentistry.

In order to become a MASTER of the College of Sedation in Dentistry an individual must:

1. Successful completion of an approved course of study in parenteral dental sedation, as described in the American Dental Association’s Guidelines for Teaching the Comprehensive Control of Anxiety And Pain In Dentistry, Teaching the Comprehensive Control of Anxiety and Pain in a Continuing Education Program; or possession of a valid state permit or its equivalent certifying that the individual may administer parenteral dental sedation.

2. Documentation that the candidate has successfully completed forty (40) hours of approved, continuing education in dental sedation and/or dental anesthesiology, and has successfully completed a course in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or its equivalent.

3. Successfully complete the MASTER Examination for Sedation in Dentistry of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

4. Become a member of the American Dental Society of Anestheisology.

In addition, in order to maintain the status of Master of the College of Sedation in Dentistry the individual shall be required to document that he/she has successfully completed fifteen (15) hours of approved, continuing education in dental sedation and/or dental anesthesiology every two (2) years in addition to successfully completing training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or its equivalent every two (2) years.

The Examination is administered at several meetings throughout the year. APPLICATIONS to take the examination must be submitted 30 days before the chosen testing date.

Exam Dates and Registration

The examination is a multiple-choice examination that covers all aspects of dental sedation. The examination is administered over a 3 hour time period at the end of each meeting. The examination is not limited to these areas but the following areas are emphasized within the examination:

a) Medical evaluation
b) Pharmacology
c) Perioperative care
d) Anesthetic technique
e) Anesthetic pharmacology
f) Recognition and management of anesthetic emergencies and complications

While the examinee must command a solid foundation of sedation knowledge the society recommends the following texts as primary references:

ADSA members have consistently sought further education and knowledge in this important aspect of dental care. Opportunities for such further training are provided by the numerous courses that the ADSA provides.