Optimizing pediatric dental care in the OR

Figure 1: Zyris Isolite Operating Room Adapter used in conjunction with Isolite Posterior Mouthpiece and new HOOPLA Retractor

Shaun Valentine, VP of Product at Zyris Isolite, visits the Carmel Ambulatory OR Center with Dr. Ana Vasquez of Fishers Pediatric

Dr. Ana Vasquez is the founder of Fishers Pediatric, in Fishers, Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. It is a large, thriving practice, serving thousands of patients, with a team of over 70 clinicians. Dr. Ana received her Doctor of Medicine Degree at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Ana sees the incidence rate of OR visits increasing for younger patients, which is why she believes clinicians need to be taught oral sedation in school. Right now, that is not the case, though they may get some IV sedation training. She views the OR as the safest option. There, she has a team of a pediatric anesthesiologists, nurses, and her staff all in a facility designed for these cases.

Typically, there are a few situations that lead to procedures being done in the OR under general anesthesia.

• Medically-compromised children
• Special needs adults and children
• Children with compliance issues
• Children who require far more work than can be done in the clinic without multiple sessions

With the help of the new Zyris Isolite Operating Room Adapter for Posterior Mouthpieces, Dr. Ana was able to successfully treat nine patients in 8 hours, ages 4-8 with an average of 8 crowns plus extractions. One patient had 18 cavities out of her total of 20 teeth! The single-use adapter enables quick operating turns by allowing everything from the vacuum canister to the mouthpiece to be disposed of.

Dr. Brian (Anesthesiologist) explains that when just throat packs and gauze are used, he sometimes needs to suction any of the water/fluid that leaks into the patient’s stomach (OG suction) before waking the patient. This ends up being an additional procedure. Dr. Brian recommends doing that procedure using isolation with suction because it is a much cheaper alternative.

Dr. Ana has two dental assistants in the OR at the same time. In Figure 2, you can see Kassy at the end of the bed with a laptop. As Dr. Ana completes a step of the procedure, she calls out what she has completed, and Kassy immediately logs that information into the billing and insurance system. Dr. Ana’s other Dental Assistant, Amanda, keeps a smooth flow of materials and tools for Dr. Ana to keep procedures efficient.

As soon as the patient is out of the room, Kassy will begin setup of the tray for the next patient, and Amanda will turn the operatory. Kassy and Amanda rotate jobs with each new patient.

When the last patient is seen, they are done for the day. There is no additional paperwork to be done. Dr. Ana still has to call and log her notes with the insurance company, but the team’s work is complete. This team is awesome!

In the realm of pediatric dentistry, where the primary focus is on delivering gentle, efficient, and effective care, technological advancements play a crucial role. Among the latest innovations making waves in this field is the Isolite System. This device is revolutionizing pediatric dental practices by offering versatile solutions that cater to various clinical needs, from posterior cases to sealants, anterior treatments, and even complex operating room environments.

This information was provided by Zyris.