Safe & Effective Sedation for the Pediatric Dental Patient

Event Overview

Who Should Attend
Any dentist who sedates children in their 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
AAPD Member Dentist	$1,170	$1,370
Non-Member Dentist	$1,370	$1,570

This course is generously sponsored by Sedation Resource.

Summary

Course Chair and Speaker
Bobby Thikkurissy, D.D.S., M.S.

Speakers
Stephen Wilson, D.M.D., M.A., Ph.D.
Scott Papineau, D.D.S, PharmD
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
Procedural sedation is an advanced behavior guidance technique. This survey course features recognized leaders in both pediatric dentistry and dental anesthesia. Material will be taught through the use of didactic lectures, case studies, film clip sessions, panel discussions and hands-on opportunity with personalized attention. There will be dedicated forums to ask questions and discuss specific issues with course faculty, discuss techniques for effective communication with the patient and parent to address unusually challenging and complex situations. There is no magic bullet or perfect regimen for procedural sedation. This course will focus on the processes of patient assessment, treatment planning, risks/benefits/alternatives and patient rescue. This course is intended for pediatric dentists who have had training in sedation techniques in their graduate/residency programs. This course is consistent with the American Dental Association’s Guidelines on Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students in a Continuing Education Program. The level of this course, according to the ADA’s Guidelines, Part II, Definitions, Education Courses, is a survey course and does not offer direct, clinical patient management.

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

• Assessment of the Pediatric well-child, as well as the ill child
• Pediatric anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous system related to sedation
• Commonly observed pharmacological effects of sedative agents used in pediatric sedations
• The appropriate physical assessment of the pediatric patient including risk assessment
• How to choose appropriate sedative(s) for the individual pediatric patient based on behavior, temperament and dental needs
• The appropriate monitoring equipment its indications based on depth of sedation and troubleshooting
• Guidelines and best practice literature associated with the sedation of pediatric patients
• Safe and judicious use of local anesthetics in combination with procedural sedation in the pediatric patient
• The principles of protocol in enhancing patient safety during oral sedation
• Intra-operative room and restorative preparation associated with sedation visits
• Principles associated with patient and family management and effective communication during sedation visits
• The use of nitrous oxide when used in combination with other sedative agents for use in pediatric patients
• Advantages and disadvantages of sedation and consider alternatives
• Identification and management of complications associated with sedation of the pediatric patient
• Discuss the pharmacological effects of combined drug therapy, their implications and management

Continuing Education Hours
AAPD designates this course for 18 CE credits.

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
8:00 AM	Introduction
8:05 AM - 9:00 AM	Pediatric Behavioral Development
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	AAP-AAPD Guideline Review
10:00 AM	Break
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM	Pediatric Physiology
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Pharmacology Review
12:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM	Patient Assessment
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM	Risk Assessment & Informed Consent
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
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Common Regimens
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	AAP-AAPD Guideline Review
10:00 AM	Break
10:15 AM - 12:00 PM	Monitors
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Pharmacology Review
12:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM	Practice Management/Business
3:00 PM	Break
3:20 PM - 4:00 PM	Protective Stabilization & Documentation of Sedation
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM	Discharge Criteria: Subjective vs. Objective
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Video Clips & Sedation Course Wrap-Up
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	Open Panel Discussion Q&A Session

 

*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.