Nursing faculty at the university are now providing health screenings for patients undergoing general anesthesia at the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation Pediatric Dentistry Outpatient Care Center, a division of the university’s dental school.
Prior health screenings are required to ensure patients are low-risk for adverse reactions to the anesthetic. Parents previously had to gain clearance through their child’s primary care provider, which could lead to delays in treatment, according to a July 26 news release.
The center, which opened last year, treats children with severe cavities. Most patients are under 4 years old, which requires them to undergo general anesthesia to tolerate the procedures.