ity to complete a treatment plan that would normally take multiple visits in fewer appointments , or even a single appointment .
Dr . Hunter Stuart adds , “ As dental professionals , we understand dental procedures and how to support the dentist . We can provide the initial local anesthetic or offer an extra hand when needed because we are familiar with the steps and techniques being used .”
Hospital on wheels
LSDA provides a “ hospital on wheels ” model of care by bringing all the necessary equipment for hospital-grade anesthesia services to the dental office , including portable anesthesia equipment and monitors for safe anesthesia , essentially turning the office into a mini-operating room equipped for any contingency . As a result , they are prepared to take the safest possible route for optimal anesthesia care , including intubation when indicated .
In the dental office , LSDA ensures continuity , as the dentist anesthesiologist is with the patient from initial numbing at the start of the procedure through the recovery period and discharge . Unlike a hospital-based procedure , where patients may need to spend hours in PACU recovering under nurse supervision , the LSDA doctor can safely abbreviate the end of sedation using highly precise , planned dosages of anesthesia medication .
Once an appointment is scheduled , the LSDA doctors consult with the patient to collect a thorough medical history . They assess overall wellness , physical status , medications , medical condition and determine if outpatient anesthesia is appropriate .
Since the emergence of COVID-19 , Lone Star Dental Anesthesia is busier than ever and has implemented all recommended precautions to protect patients , including using specialized filters on equipment to prevent cross-contamination between cases . Each procedure is fully completed before moving on to the next patient , and all PPE is dedicated to a single procedure . With multiple providers , LSDA has exceptional availability for accommodating emergency dental treatment . Rigorous requirements for ongoing CE training enable the doctors of LSDA to stay at the forefront of rapidly evolving recommendations and regulatory changes regarding COVID-19 . Additionally , LSDA is available to help host practices develop emergency preparedness through annual mock emergency drills and other training .
The LSDA group
Photos by Ray Bryant , Bryant Studios
LSDA provides a “ hospital on wheels ” model of care by bringing all the necessary equipment for hospital-grade anesthesia services into the dental office .
Ethnically , the doctors at LSDA reflect the diversity of their patient community . Professionally , they have trained in different techniques in regions around the country . They represent a cross-section of age groups . But , as Dr . Jinsoo Kim points out , “ Our group formed organically around friendships and as we spent time together , we found that we had common goals , philosophies , and professional ethics . We all agreed that we wanted to practice with professionals who were also friends and to carry on that way until retirement . We enjoy collaborating on complex cases and sharing ideas to develop the best possible individualized care plans for each patient . Since we like each other personally , it ’ s easy for us to open up and have honest , straightforward communication .”
Their friendly , easygoing personalities also make it easy for them to work with any dentist or staff member . Dr . William Baltazar notes , “ We enjoy getting to know the dental professionals we work with and building long-lasting relationships based on mutual trust . It ’ s central to our business philosophy to treat our
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