Assistant Sedation Course: Your Role in the Safe Sedation of Children

Event Overview

Who Should Attend
Those on the dental team involved with the sedation of children in the office.

Date
October 17-18, 2025

Location
The Westin Chicago River North
320 N Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60654

Registration Opening Soon!

Book Your Hotel Room at the Westin Chicago River North at the AAPD discounted rate! Bookings will open when course registration is open. Deadline to book your hotel at the AAPD group rate is September 18, 2025.

Registration Fees*

	By September 17, 2025	After September 17, 2025
Assistant/Dental Team	$900	$1,100

Summary

Course Chair and Speaker
Scott Papineau, D.D.S, PharmD

Speakers
Stephen Wilson, D.M.D., M.A., Ph.D.
Bobby Thikkurissy, D.D.S., M.S.
Cara Riley, D.M.D., M.S., D.A.D.B.A
Christine Quinn, D.D.S., M.S.
Jae Grymes, D.D.S.

Course Description
This course is specially designed for the pediatric dental assistant to enhance their knowledge and understanding of sedation emergencies and other emergent medical conditions in the office. An introduction to oral sedatives and using nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation will be included. Participants will learn how to organize and prepare the office for an effective response to medical emergencies, assist in the management of both medical and sedation-related emergencies, and develop the skills needed to be a competent and confident dental assistant during pediatric dental oral sedation procedures.

On Saturday, attendees will be take part in the AHA PEARS Course (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization). In this portion of the course, the attendees will learn how to use a systematic approach to quickly assess, recognize the cause, and stabilize a pediatric patient in an emergency situation. During PEARS, attendees will interact with real patient cases, and realistic simulations and animations to assess and stabilize pediatric patients experiencing respiratory and shock emergencies, and cardiopulmonary arrest. PEARS prepares students to provide appropriate lifesaving interventions within the initial minutes of response.

Upon successful completion of the PEARS Course attendees will received a PEARS Provider Course completion card, valid for 2 years.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the participant should have a better understanding of the:

• Adherence to the joint guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) for monitoring and managing pediatric patients during and after sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

• Preparing a pediatric dental office for an organized response to medical emergencies.

• Diagnosing and assisting in the management of sedative/medical emergencies.

• The anatomical, physiological and pharmacological issues specific to the pediatric patient.

• Anatomical and pharmacological aspects of local anesthesia.

Continuing Education Hours
AAPD designates this course for 8 CE credits, plus PEARS Course Completion Card upon successful passing of the PEARS Course.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Schedule

Friday, October 17

Time	Course
7:15 AM	Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM	Basics of Behavior
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM	Levels of Sedation
10:00 AM	Break
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM	Nitrous Oxide
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Common Sedatives
12:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM	Pediatric Physiology
3:00 PM	Break
3:20 PM - 5:00 PM	Emergencies and Airway Rescue
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM	Open Panel Discussion Q&A Session

 

Saturday, October 18

Time	Course
7:30 AM	Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM	PEARS Course
12:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM	PEARS Course (Continued)

 

*AAPD Cancellation Policy: Full refunds for registration minus a $150 cancellation fee will be given only if written notice of cancellation is received 30 days prior to the course. For one-day courses, the cancellation fee will be $75 with the same rules applying. A 50 percent refund will be given if written notice is received up to two weeks prior to the course. No refunds will be given within one week prior to the course. No refunds will be given for no-shows. Notice of cancellation can be made in writing and sent to registration@aapd.org.

The meeting sponsors are not responsible for travel expenses or penalties under any circumstances. For further information, please contact the AAPD Meetings Department at (312) 337-2169.