Cost and Time Analysis of Procedural Sedation versus General Anesthesia in a Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to compare dental procedures, associated costs, and time required to provide pediatric dental treatment with procedural sedation (SED) and general anesthesia (GA). Methods: This 2 year retrospective chart review of patients treated at the University of Washington Center for Pediatric Dentistry included a convenience sample of 50 patients who received SED and 50 patients who received GA. Costs were calculated based upon treatment time and Washington State Medicaid rates. Results: On average, patients in the SED group were older, more likely to be female, and more frequently received intracoronal restorations than patients in the GA group. Combined dental treatment and modality costs were significantly lower for SED than GA ($690 vs. $2350). Inversely, the averaged time required to complete a treatment plan with SED was significantly greater than time required to complete a treatment plan under GA (250 vs. 173 minutes). Conclusions: Costs associated with SED were significantly lower than GA. However, this was inversely related to time required to complete a treatment plan. In addition, fewer dental procedures were completed with SED. Sedation offers a cost-effective adjunct for children with limited treatment needs and temperament conducive to moderate sedation.