The Floridant - Healthcare Network Offers Pediatric Dental IV Sedation

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Sedation dentistry allows children to have a stress and pain-free dental experience

NAPLES, Fla. - Floridant -- Healthcare Network is pleased to announce intravenous (IV) sedation has been added to its pediatric dental program available at the organization's Nichols Community Health Center in Golden Gate. IV sedation, in addition to the organization's existing nitrous oxide sedation option, will support pediatric patients who may need several procedures to be done during a single visit, may suffer from severe dental anxiety, and/or have a medical, physical or emotional disability that limits their ability to understand directions and remain calm.

"It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the opening of our new Pediatric Dental Sedation Program within the dental clinic at Healthcare Network's Nichols Community Health Center in Golden Gate," said Jaime Ulmer, president and CEO of Healthcare Network. "The much-anticipated implementation of this program will provide an expansion of necessary services and procedures to children in need who would otherwise not have access to this service."

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The new sedation offering furthers Healthcare Network's commitment to reduce health disparities in underserved populations by improving access to quality dental care for thousands of at-risk children living in Collier County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) children at most risk for tooth decay and oral disease are from lower socioeconomic families where barriers to care such as caregiver low health literacy, language proficiency, dental insurance and geographic access are prevalent. Additionally, access to dental care is also greatly limited by the number of dentists who accept Medicaid or provide variable fees for the uninsured.

"Many families delay preventative dental care for their child due to affordability and/or the inaccurate belief that baby teeth are not important," said Dr. Douglas Keck, dental director for Healthcare Network. "As a result, we often see children who are experiencing severe pain and infection during their first ever dental visit. The discomfort, coupled with possible fears about the procedure, can be overwhelming. Offering moderate to deep sedation will help ease discomfort and anxiety in these situations and during preventive services where a child may need help to remain calm."

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Healthcare Network's pediatric dental sedation program was made possible by funding from the Naples Children and Education Foundation (NCEF). IV sedation will be administered by a highly dedicated and skilled team of board-certified Healthcare Network pediatric dentists and registered nurses in collaboration with Pediatric Dentistry Anesthesia Associates, a leading pediatric medical anesthesia group comprised of board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists.

For more information on pediatric dental sedation visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org to learn more or call 239-658-3000 to schedule an appointment.