439 - Sedation Overhead Cost Analysis For a Dental Office

Objectives: Many pediatric dentists may use some form of office-based sedation as part of their
practice. In this study, we look to complete a cost analysis of providing sedation services in a
dental setting. This is important with respect to not only the cost of setting up but also running
the sedation service, as well as identifying which components are necessary.

Methods: After we have identified the relevant sedation components, a spreadsheet will be
created to calculate the costs. These components will include additional staff, sedation agents,
adjunct medications, monitoring equipment, airway and IV supplies, emergency medications and
equipment.

Results: Sedation drug cost in most cases is a relatively small component. For a 20 kg child, 20
mg oral midazolam costs about $8, 10 mg intranasal midazolam costs $5 plus the cost of a MAD device
(~ $10). For IV sedation 4mg IV Midazolam ($4.50) and 50 mcg Fentanyl ($1.00) are both
relatively inexpensive. There is also the consideration of drug vial cost or drug dose cost,
depending on the size of the drug vials available and whether they are designed for multidose
use. For monitoring, we use the GE B40 and each monitor costs upwards of $6000. Staffing costs
relate to additional staff (RN) for sedation and recovery monitoring as well as the cost of
additional sedation providers such as Anesthesiologists.

Conclusion: Understanding the requirements for different sedation options and the costs is
important for the Pediatric Dentist when considering these options in their dental
practice.