Know Your Drugs: A Guide for Sedation Dentists

Understanding patient medications is a critical component of safe sedation practices. Identifying potential drug interactions and updating drug protocols allows for optimal patient outcomes.

As a sedation dentist, ensuring patient safety and wellbeing is your top priority. That means understanding the complexity of patient health profiles and the ever-growing list of potential medications. Whether it means assessing drug interactions or making adjustments to your protocols, understanding medications and how they interact makes all the difference in delivering safe and effective dental sedation.

What Medications Reveal About Patient Health

Patient medications provide valuable insights into their medical conditions, the complexity of their health, and even the progression of chronic illnesses. Multiple prescriptions often point to patients with coexisting conditions or advanced stages of a disease.

However, it’s important to note that patients don’t always disclose their complete medication regimen. Forgetfulness, fear, or simply not recognizing the importance of specific drugs might lead to incomplete information. That's why understanding these medications, even the ones that may seem minor, is essential. By closely examining the prescribed drugs, dental teams can uncover hidden patterns and avoid potential complications.

Fortunately, the list of medications a patient is on can act as a roadmap. By reviewing this information, you can tailor your sedation plan to the individual patient’s needs, helping to minimize risks and ensure the treatment goes smoothly.

Equally important is maintaining an up-to-date list of all medications, including the patient's prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Regularly reviewing and sharing this information with their healthcare providers is crucial for safe dental sedation.

The Role of Pharmacology in Sedation

Pharmacology and sedation go hand in hand, and this is especially true when you’re considering the safe sedation in your practice. Dr. Jerome P. Wellbrock, DMD, MAGD, a recognized expert in sedation, emphasizes that when assessing a patient’s medical history, you must consider how their existing medications interact with sedatives.

Furthermore, polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, is an increasingly common challenge. If a patient is on medications for anxiety, depression, hypothyroidism, and other conditions, you have to evaluate potential drug interactions with sedatives carefully. For example, medicines like Klonopin for anxiety or Lexapro for depression can alter how a patient responds to sedation.

Navigating Drug Interactions

Drug interactions are a crucial consideration before administering sedation. If a patient is on other medications, those drugs can affect how sedation medications work, either enhancing their effects or reducing their effectiveness. Knowing how to manage these interactions can help you avoid complications.

Here are three key types of drug interactions you may encounter: Additive CNS Depression: Some medications amplify the effects of sedatives. These require careful monitoring, primarily if the interaction is graded as a "D" or "X."

• Additive CNS Depression: Some medications amplify the effects of sedatives. These require careful monitoring, primarily if the interaction is graded as a "D" or "X."
• Induction of Metabolism: Certain drugs can reduce the effectiveness of sedatives by affecting their metabolism, requiring you to adjust your protocol accordingly.
• Inhibition of Metabolism: Other medications can increase the serum concentration of sedatives, raising the risk of overdose or sedation-related complications.

Understanding these interactions allows you to adjust your sedation protocol as needed, ensuring that your patient's safety comes first.

Tools for Managing Drug Interactions

Utilizing software like Lexicomp Online is a game-changer for navigating drug interactions effectively. This tool provides an easy way to assess the potential risks of combining different medications with sedatives. It assigns a grade to interactions, ranging from "A" (no interaction) to "X" (potentially harmful interaction), helping you make informed decisions about your sedation protocol.

Additionally, the Top 100 Prescribed Drugs Reference Guide, provides a quick overview of common medications and their potential interaction with sedation protocols. While this guide isn't a substitute for a detailed Lexicomp analysis, it serves as a handy reference for dental teams to assess potential risks quickly.

The Rise of New Medications

Over the last decade, the FDA has approved an average of 38 new drugs each year, significantly increasing the number of available treatments. With so many new drugs entering the market, sedation dentists need to stay current on the potential risks associated with these medications.

New drugs, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight loss and diabetes management, can have side effects, all of which can complicate sedation protocols. Patients on these drugs for weight loss or diabetes may have unique needs when undergoing sedation.

GLP-1 receptor agonists have the potential to cause nausea and vomiting, increasing the risk of aspiration during sedation. While there’s still a lack of definitive research on best practices for these drugs, it’s prudent to adjust sedation protocols to account for these risks.

In some cases, withholding these medications before sedation (based on their half-life) may be advisable to minimize complications. The half-life of these drugs varies widely, from two weeks with the extended-release form of exenatide (Bydureon Bcise®), which is injected weekly, to thirteen hours for the daily injected liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®).

Stay Informed

As a sedation dentist, one of your most important tasks is to be fully aware of your patients' medications. With the rise in polypharmacy and the constant introduction of new drugs, it's more important than ever to stay informed about potential drug interactions and their impact on sedation protocols. Using tools like Lexicomp and drug reference guides, you can make informed decisions, ensuring patient safety while providing the best possible care.

The more informed you are, the better you can serve your patients and minimize risks during sedation procedures.

Safe Sedation Means Being Prepared and Ready to Handle Emergencies

Be ready when emergencies strike. Learn how training, teamwork, and the right equipment ensure patient safety in sedation dentistry.

In a dental office, every second counts during a medical emergency. The reality is that it’s not a matter of if but when these situations will occur. While calling 911 is essential, relying solely on emergency responders (who may take 6-10 + minutes to arrive) could mean the difference between life and death.

Sedation dentists and their entire team must be ready to take immediate action. Those critical minutes require swift, decisive intervention. Training, preparation, and the right equipment are essential for ensuring patient safety in sedation dentistry.

Training and Teamwork: Practice Makes Perfect

Emergencies don’t announce themselves – they just happen. That’s why training is so crucial. Whether it's in the waiting room or the operatory, training sessions reinforce the power of teamwork. No one wants to be a "team of one."

Training should be consistent and hands-on, ensuring every team member is ready to act when needed. Emergency scenarios require technical skills, seamless coordination, and communication. Each dental team member should have a clearly defined role and practice their responsibilities regularly to ensure confidence and efficiency in high-stress situations.

Mock drills are an effective way to identify weaknesses in emergency protocols and improve response times. Regular training refreshers help reinforce key skills and maintain preparedness, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to handle a variety of medical emergencies. By fostering a culture of teamwork and readiness, dentists can create a safer environment for their patients and staff.

Common Medical Emergencies

Dental teams must be prepared to handle a range of medical emergencies, including:

• Aspiration: Immediate action includes placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, aggressive suctioning, and providing 100% oxygen.
• Fire: Fires in the dental operatory can be catastrophic. Understanding the fire triangle (oxidizer, ignition source, and fuel) is key to prevention.
• Syncope: The most common emergency in dental offices, typically caused by a vasovagal reaction.
• Seizures: If a seizure lasts over five minutes, it may be status epilepticus or a seizure that will not stop on its own and requires immediate medical intervention.
• Allergic Reactions: FAST is a helpful mnemonic for remembering the symptoms of anaphylaxis. Onset is usually quick, although it may be delayed 5-20 minutes after exposure.
  • Symptoms of the Face: Itching, redness, or swelling.
  • Symptoms of the Airway: Trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty speaking or swallowing.
  • Symptoms of the Stomach: Pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.
  • Symptoms of the Total body: A total body rash, weakness, and even a sense of doom.
• Stroke/Cerebrovascular Accidents: Identifying symptoms like facial weakness and speech impairment ensures swift action.
• Local Anesthesia Overdose (LAST): Although rare, LAST requires prompt recognition and management.
• Hypoglycemia: Particularly common in diabetic patients, it must be managed promptly with appropriate glucose monitoring and administration.
• Hypotension and Hypertension: Blood pressure irregularities require careful monitoring and intervention.
• Angina and Myocardial Ischemia: Recognizing both typical and atypical signs ensures timely treatment and preparation for cardiac arrest. An automated external defibrillator (AED) in your office can be life-saving.
• Cardiac Arrest: For cardiac arrest, applying the AED is crucial. Studies have shown that survival rates are significantly higher when bystanders use an AED before EMS personnel arrive. Be familiar with your specific AED model and its recommendations.

Emergency Kits and Crash Carts

A well-equipped emergency kit is essential for responding to medical emergencies in dental offices. Some (not all) of the critical components include:

1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED): A hybrid AED, such as the ZOLL AED Pro®, can provide real-time feedback on chest compressions to both basic and advanced rescuers.
2. King LTS-D Airway: A crucial tool for quickly securing the airway in emergencies.
3. Ambu SPUR II Valve Mask: A disposable resuscitator made from SEBS material to minimize cross-contamination risks.
4. IV Fluids: Normal saline and IV tubing for fluid resuscitation.
5. Countering Agents for Allergic Reactions: These include EpiPens, H2 inhibitors, epinephrine, aspirin, and inhalers, as required by state regulations.
6. Naloxone: Sedation dentists take on significant responsibilities in managing opioid safety. This obligation also includes understanding the medications patients may or may not inform you they're taking. Because of this, naloxone serves as a safeguard, ensuring that emergencies can be managed effectively.

A crash cart or emergency supply backpack on each level is recommended for offices with multiple floors.

Know How to Use an AED Before Emergencies

Knowing how to use an AED before an emergency is essential because it requires both familiarity with the device and a well-practiced team protocol. In a dental setting, the emergency response team includes the dentist, hygienists, dental assistants, and front office staff, all trained to recognize cardiac arrest, initiate CPR, and use the AED seamlessly to ensure the best possible outcome.

Furthermore, some hybrid AED models allow professionals to override incorrect readings, reducing misinterpretation risks. Ensure the AED is tested regularly, and that team members are familiar with its operation through regular training drills.

IV and IO Vascular Access

Maintaining vascular access is essential during cardiac arrest for fluid resuscitation and medication administration. Ideally, dental teams should be prepared to manage a patient for at least 20 minutes before EMS arrives. Intraosseous (IO) access devices can be valuable investments, as they allow rapid vascular access in critical situations.

The Power of Teamwork

In an emergency, the dentist's primary role is coordination. It's the well-trained team that should be able to:

• Call 911 promptly.
• Perform high-quality chest compressions.
• Apply the AED correctly.
• Secure the airway efficiently.
• Administer emergency medications as needed.

Dental teams are much more likely to respond to medical emergencies with confidence and effectiveness by ensuring, ahead of time, that every team member knows their responsibilities during a critical event.

Preparedness Requires A Team Effort

When you step outside your door, the chances of facing an emergency might be low, but they can happen anytime, even when you're not at the dental office. This year's Sedation Dentist of the Year knows firsthand the importance of emergency training, having stepped in twice during crises to provide life-saving aid before paramedics arrived. His experiences are a powerful reminder that medical emergencies don’t wait for the perfect setting, and when they happen, you might be the one who needs to step in.

In the clinical setting, emergency response is even more critical and can't be handled by just one person. Without proper preparation and teamwork, handling a crisis becomes dangerous and ineffective.

Every sedation practice must have a clear, coordinated plan that ensures all team members know their roles in a crisis.

By investing in continuous education and emergency readiness, sedation dentists can protect their patients, teams, and even fellow members of their communities. Emergency preparedness isn’t just about checking off a list to meet compliance. It’s about having a fully prepared team ready to act in the critical seconds when it matters most.

Sedation and the Trio of Dental Distress: Anxiety, Phobia & Fear

Most patients aren’t excited to sit in the dental chair—but for some, the fear runs much deeper. Anxiety, fear, and phobia impact dental visits in different ways. As a sedation dentist, you can tailor strategies to turn that dread into relief and keep patients coming back.

Let’s face it, as dentists, you're more likely to encounter patients who are anxious rather than enthusiastic about sitting in your chair. Uneasy patients' level of dread can vary from worry and stress to panic, physical manifestations, and complete avoidance. While dental phobia is considered the most extreme, all three emotions (anxiety, fear, and phobia) can lead a person to avoid the dentist for decades, even a lifetime.

As sedation dentists, understanding the differences can help your patients (and potential patients) overcome harmful psychological barriers, schedule regular checkups, and realize better oral health through dread-free visits.

Skipped Dental Care

In the United States, people avoid going to the dentist for a whole host of reasons. In fact, 19% of American adults skipped dental care in 20231, making it the most avoided type of medical care. While this wasn't merely due to dental distress, fear-based avoidance did contribute to the lack of care.

Recent estimates suggest that 15.3% of adults globally experience dental anxiety, with 12.4% reporting higher levels of fear and the most severe type of distress, dental phobia, at 3.3%. For children, dental fear was reported at 21.7%, citing "choking" as being the most feared aspect of treatment2.

Not All Dental Distress Is Equal

While the terms distress, anxiety, and fear are often seen as interchangeable, they aren't. These terms represent distinct psychological and emotional responses to dental experiences. The latest research, however, explains how to distinguish the differences.

• Dental Anxiety: This is seen as a fear of the unknown and comes from generalized anxiety around dentists. According to Dental Fear Central, most people have some degree of dental anxiety, especially for more involved procedures that are new to the patient. However, dental anxiety isn’t necessarily responsible for complete avoidance.
• Dental Fear: Dental fear is specific and often arises from a past traumatic experience. If a patient can tell you exactly what they're scared of (gagging, suction, drills, or needles), this is considered dental fear. It's also common to have more than one dental fear, and these fears can keep patients from regularly visiting the dentist.
• Dental Phobia: The most intense of dental distress, dental phobia can be so powerful that those suffering from it can avoid the dentist indefinitely, only to seek emergency care when the physical pain becomes too overwhelming. Some people with dental phobia might still visit a dentist but do so with intense dread.

Which is Worse?

Among the trio of distress, dental phobia is by far the most harmful. It leads to complete avoidance of dental care, and the result can lead to severe oral health problems, including untreated cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. The result is often a need for emergency treatments, which exacerbates the phobia by reinforcing negative dental experiences3.

Sedation and Non-Sedation Treatment Tools

Sedation dentistry offers a powerful way to connect with patients experiencing dental distress by addressing their specific fears and concerns. By tailoring messaging to highlight how sedation alleviates different types of dental anxiety, from fear of pain and sensory sensitivities to past traumatic experiences, practices can create a personalized reach. Here are a few specific benefits of sedation that apply to each type of dental distress.

1. Dental Anxiety

• Reduces the Stress of Anticipation: Sedation helps calm patients before and during procedures, alleviating the generalized worry accompanying dental visits.
• Encourages Routine Visits: Easing anxiety through sedation encourages patients to keep up their dental visits and improve their outcomes. Better outcomes equal less anxiety.
• Provides a Pain-free Experience: Patients with lower pain tolerances benefit from sedation, which reduces discomfort during procedures.

2. Dental Fear

• Eases Specific Triggers: Sedation can address the fear of needles, drills, and other dental tools by dulling sensory perception and allowing the patient to relax.
• Suppresses Memory: Oral and IV sedation causes short-term, partial amnesia, helping patients avoid recalling distressing aspects of the procedure.
• Improved Cooperation: A relaxed patient is more cooperative, allowing you to perform procedures efficiently without interruptions caused by patient fear.

3. Dental Phobia

• Overcomes Severe Avoidance: Sedation enables people with the most extreme phobias to undergo delayed, necessary treatments they'd otherwise avoid entirely.
• Comprehensive Care with Minimal Visits: Sedation allows phobic patients who avoid frequent visits to complete multiple, even complex, procedures in one or two sessions, reducing the need to make multiple appointments.
• Breaks the Cycle of Fear: Positive experiences under sedation can help to reduce the overall phobia over time, encouraging continued dental care by realizing there's nothing to fear.

As sedation dentists, it’s also important to remember that there's a wide variety of techniques and tools available to treat dental fear disorders, including sedation. Dental Fear Central is a great resource for dentists and dental professionals seeking to treat the trifecta of dental fear. They provide patient insight, stories, tips, and resources for the dental professional.

No matter the type of dental distress, these methods offer additional support beyond just using sedation.

• Relinquish Control. Some patients' fears center around the loss of control. Remember that patients will look for a dentist who fits their needs. Have a conversation with the patient to discuss their unique situation and give them the power to signal that they need a break from the treatment. Agree to a sign, such as a hand raise, during treatment so you'll know when to stop, giving the patient some comfort in control.
• Show empathy and understanding. Be genuine and sincere when communicating with patients. Don't pass judgment or chastise them for a lack of dental care. Instead, seek to understand and listen.
• Take it Slow. Let the patient know their first checkup won't involve complicated or painful procedures. After that, they make appointments at their own pace. Some might benefit from longer appointments, others from shorter and more frequent ones.
• Be on Time. The worst way to start an appointment with an anxious patient is by making them sit in the waiting room or the operatory alone with all the dental equipment, contemplating the worst-case scenario.
• Distractions are up to the patient. Many dental practices now use televisions, iPads, or music to distract patients. However, for some, this can actually instigate their anxieties and fears. Let them decide what type of media and the sound level used to distract them.
• See the experience through your patients’ eyes. Sit in the waiting room, walk back to the operatory and pay attention to the details. Is there clutter? Loud talk about patients in front of other patients? How's the aesthetics of your office? When was the last time you walked in their shoes?

In Conclusion

Understanding the differences between dental anxiety, fear, and phobia allows you to take a more thoughtful and tailored approach to patient care. For sedation dentists, these levels of distress aren’t just abstract concepts; they likely represent a significant portion of your patient base. By recognizing what drives each patient's hesitation, you can better position sedation as a solution that meets their unique needs, helping patients feel safe, comfortable, and confident in your care.

References:

1. USAFacts. (2023). How many people skip medical treatment due to healthcare costs? Retrieved from https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-people-skip-medical-treatment-due-to-healthcare-costs/
2. Peric R, Tadin A. Associations between Dental Anxiety Levels, Self-Reported Oral Health, Previous Unpleasant Dental Experiences, and Behavioral Reactions in Dental Settings: An Adult E-Survey. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Aug 12;60(8):1303. doi: 10.3390/medicina60081303. PMID: 39202584; PMCID: PMC11356593.
3. Beaton L, Freeman R, Humphris G. Why are people afraid of the dentist? Observations and explanations. Med Princ Pract. 2014;23(4):295-301. doi: 10.1159/000357223. Epub 2013 Dec 20. PMID: 24356305; PMCID: PMC5586885.

Dr. Scott Bridges, DMD 2025 Safe Sedation Dentist of the Year

Dr. Scott Bridges, the 2025 Safe Sedation Dentist of the Year, is redefining compassionate care. From helping anxious patients overcome fear to stepping up in real-life emergencies, his dedication to patient safety and comfort is unmatched.

A sedation dentist throughout his entire career, Dr. Scott Bridges has dedicated his practice to providing safe, compassionate care. His commitment to excellence has earned him recognition for his expertise, including nomination as the 2025 Safe Sedation Dentist of the Year.

Dr. Bridges has cultivated a practice that blends cutting-edge dental technology with a fun, welcoming atmosphere. A well-respected dentist in Paducah, Kentucky, with twenty-two years of experience, his journey from an associate dentist to the owner of Smile Station Dental Care speaks volumes about his passion for improving lives through dentistry.

A Practice Like No Other

Tucked inside a repurposed Texaco service station, Smile Station Dental Care is far from a traditional dental office. The practice, designed with a nostalgic 1950s aesthetic and featuring vintage gas station decor and an old-fashioned gas pump, reflects the fun and welcoming environment Dr. Bridges has carefully curated.

“Our theme of ‘Full Service Dental Care’ isn’t just a tagline; it's our mission," says Dr. Bridges. "We aim to make every visit easy, comfortable, and enjoyable, ensuring that patients feel genuinely cared for while receiving exceptional treatment."

Smile Station is more than just a place for cleanings and fillings; it's a dental wellness center where patients come first. Understanding the complexity of dental anxiety, Dr. Bridges and his team take extra steps to help their patients feel at ease. Combining modern technology with sedation dentistry allows them to deliver personalized, stress-free care for patients who might otherwise go without.

Dr. Bridges began his career as an associate dentist, later becoming a partner and successfully executing a practice buyout. Ultimately, he built Smile Station Dental Care from the ground up, each step guided by his patient-first approach.

Leadership in Dental Education

A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Dr. Bridges has built an impressive reputation within the dental community. His professional affiliations include the American Dental Association (ADA), the Kentucky Dental Association (KDA), the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the Crown Council, and DOCS Education, where he has achieved Fellow and Diplomate status.

Beyond his practice, Dr. Bridges has served on the Executive Board of the KDA and as an adjunct professor at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Committed to lifelong learning, he completes more than 100 hours of continuing education annually, ensuring that his patients receive the most advanced and effective dental treatments available.

Community First, Service Always

Dr. Bridges is deeply rooted in the Paducah community. A local graduate of Reidland High School, he's passionate about giving back. He serves on numerous local charity boards and actively supports organizations such as Community Kitchen. In addition, Dr. Bridges volunteers with Buzzard Bros., a competitive charity barbecue team that raises money for local causes.

Beyond dentistry and community service, Dr. Bridges enjoys an adventurous personal life. He and his wife, Rebecca, and their sons, Michael and Henry, love traveling and exploring new destinations. As a third-generation licensed private pilot, he embraces the discipline and freedom of flying and enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and kayaking.

Transforming Lives, One Smile at a Time

Dr. Bridges was introduced to sedation dentistry early in his career thanks to his first employer, Dr. Bill Walden, who ensured he received sedation training before starting his first day in practice. That training became a cornerstone of his career.

“Sedation dentistry has allowed me to help patients receive the care they need without fear or stress,” Dr. Bridges explains. “Many patients would otherwise avoid treatment altogether.”

For over 22 years, he's witnessed the life-changing power of sedation dentistry. Time and again, Dr. Bridges has helped patients overcome years of shame, fear, or trauma, restoring their confidence and transforming lives one smile at a time. Some, like former addicts, have rebuilt their lives, secured steady jobs, and renewed pride in their smiles. Others, teased as children for their teeth, were given the assurance to laugh and express themselves without hesitation.

One patient he’ll never forget was a woman who had been brutally assaulted and left with missing teeth, a savage reminder of her heartbreaking trauma. Through sedation dentistry, Dr. Bridges and his team restored not just her smile but a piece of her identity that had been stolen. With each step, she regained function, confidence, and her sense of self. Sedation dentistry allowed her to undergo the process without fear or anxiety, making it possible for her to move forward in her recovery with comfort and trust.

While her care was provided at no cost, the experience was profoundly moving. Ultimately, Dr. Bridges, his team, and the patient shared deep gratitude, relief, and joy. Moments like these, he says, are what make sedation dentistry so meaningful.

Training and Preparation Saves Lives

Dr. Bridges’ commitment to patient care extends beyond the walls of his dental practice. His emergency training has proven invaluable in real-life crises.

One such moment occurred when he was among the first to respond when a woman collapsed, unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Acting without hesitation, Dr. Bridges joined others in delivering chest compressions and used an AED to administer life-saving defibrillation. Drawing on his ACLS training and experience, he played a critical role in helping to save her life. “I’m happy to say she is still alive, functioning well, and happy,” he shares. “Her family is incredibly grateful, and in a beautiful twist of fate, at least one of her grandchildren has since developed an interest in medicine.”

More recently, while attending a large gathering, Dr. Bridges noticed a man in distress. He was pale, confused, and trembling. Severe hypoglycemia had set in, and the situation could have been life-threatening had no one recognized the signs. "It was a frightening episode, but thanks to my training, I was able to step in quickly," he recalls. "Being able to recognize the problem and respond appropriately helped him and reassured the people around us. You could see the relief on their faces. That kind of calm can make all the difference in an emergency."

For Dr. Bridges, these experiences reinforce a fundamental principal of emergency training. “I feel that often, the first responders are the regular citizens who step up in those critical first moments before paramedics arrive,” he says. “I’m grateful to have the knowledge and ability to help when it matters most.”

A Growth Mindset

For Dr. Bridges, embracing dental technology isn’t a preference—it's a necessity. Innovations like digital scanning and 3D printing have transformed dental care, offering unmatched precision and efficiency. “Staying ahead of the curve means better outcomes for my patients and a stronger team,” he explains.

That same mindset guides his approach to continuing education. Rather than chasing every new course, he carefully selects those that bring real value. "I always ask myself, 'Will this help me better serve my patients and team?' That's what drives my learning," he says. His commitment to professional growth ensures that Smile Station Dental Care remains a leader in modern dentistry.

Of course, even with cutting-edge technology, dentistry has its challenges. One of the biggest is a shortage of dental hygienists, especially in rural communities. "As a profession, we need to address this as a top priority," Dr. Bridges emphasizes.

The post-pandemic era has also reshaped the way dental practices operate. Adjustments in scheduling, patient communication, and infection control have become essential. However, instead of seeing these changes as setbacks, Smile Station Dental Care embraced them with a growth mindset, using each challenge as a chance to adapt and improve.

In reflection, Dr. Bridges shares his deep gratitude for sedation dentistry, which has allowed him to provide stress-free dental care while building a charitable legacy.

"Sedation dentistry has allowed me to provide dental care on my terms. I can do more of the type of dentistry I like to do and change lives in the process. Ultimately, it has changed not only my patients' lives but also my own."