350 - New Pediatric Dentists’ Interest in Office-Based Oral Conscious Sedation.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the perspectives of newer and older pediatric dentists and residents on the use of moderate sedation or oral conscious sedation (OCS), addressing its perceived risks, benefits, and role in practice. Findings will help pediatric dental programs and clinicians assess whether OCS is appropriate for their treatment strategies.

Methods: AAPD members were invited to participate in a survey via email. Survey responses were compared across experience groups ( <10 years and 10+) by using Fisher’s exact tests for categorical responses and Wilcoxon rank sum tests for numerical responses (including Likert scale data). Categorical variables were summarized by reporting counts and percentages, while numerical variables were summarized by means and standard deviations. Similar analyses were conducted to compare responses between treatment use groups (yes vs no) or opinion groups (good vs other). Multivariable logistic regression were performed to predict treatment use.

Results: Among 303 respondents, 222 had completed residency. Newer pediatric dentists ( <10 years of experience) were less likely to use OCS than their more experienced counterparts (47.4% vs. 56.0%, p=0.303). Factors positively associated with OCS use included completing OCS-related courses post-residency (90.4% vs. 47.8%, p<0.001) and receiving abundant training (52.0x higher odds, p=0.0008). Parental satisfaction significantly influenced OCS adoption (OR=131.4, p=0.0005). However, cost concerns negatively impacted usage (OR=0.086, p=0.0122). However, after adjusting for factors like courses on OCS taken after residency, receiving abundant training on moderate sedation, parents' response to OCS use, and cost impact on OCS in the multivariable logistic regression model, the relationship between experience and OCS uses changes. Multivariate analysis showed that increased experience (>10 years) was associated with significantly lower odds of OCS use (OR=0.045, p=0.0084).

Conclusions: This study highlights a potential generational shift in pediatric dentists' approach to oral conscious sedation, with newer dentists showing lower adoption rates despite higher training exposure in residency. Post-residency education, parental satisfaction, cost concerns, and liability fears are key determinants of OCS usage. Addressing these factors through continuing education, financial incentives, safety improvements, and risk communication could encourage more balanced and informed sedation practices. While OCS remains a valuable tool for pediatric patient management, its future will depend on how these evolving trends are addressed within the dental profession. Further research into long-term sedation trends, financial accessibility, and liability mitigation strategies will be critical in shaping the role of OCS in pediatric dentistry.