SEDATION ≠ SOLUTION
If every uncooperative child is being sedated, are we really practicing pediatric dentistry — or just convenience dentistry?
Behaviour guidance is supposed to be our cornerstone. But lately, I see more reliance on sedation than skill.
Don’t get me wrong. Sedation and general anaesthesia are incredible tools when used right. Yes, these “Pharmacological means of Behaviour Management” have their own place in Paediatric Dentistry. They can transform traumatic experiences into positive ones when all else fails. But the problem is when they become the first line of approach instead of the last resort. If we skip the effort of desensitisation, rapport, and trust-building — we’re failing our specialty!
Every child deserves the chance to build trust, learn coping mechanisms, and experience dentistry in a way that doesn’t make them fear future visits. That takes time, patience, and emotional intelligence — qualities that can’t be replaced by Nitrous oxide or a GA setup.
The true art of paediatric dentistry lies in reading a child’s cues, adapting your tone, pacing treatment, and earning cooperation — not demanding it.
The best paediatric dentists aren’t the ones who fill their schedules with sedation or OT cases; they’re the ones who can get a frightened child to open their mouth willingly, not because they’re sedated into submission. That takes time, empathy, and genuine connection — not just medication.
Sedation has its place. But it should never become the default.
Because once it does, we stop treating children — and start treating according to our own convenience.
Would love to hear how others balance safety, efficiency, and empathy in their practice.