Initially a passion project, DOCS Education has trained an estimated 40,000 dentists and team members who in turn have treated millions of anxious patients
For Michael Silverman, DMD, training dentists in sedation dentistry was originally a part-time pursuit. "In 1999, sedation dentistry did not have a great reputation because of its inconsistency,” he said. “But I had developed techniques that made it very predictable. So, I acquired the education and permits needed to train some of my colleagues who wanted to learn about it.”
Twenty-five years later, his pursuit has evolved into DOCS Education, an in-person and online continuing education company with 22 faculty members specializing in sedation dentistry. Over the years, they have trained some 40,000 dental professionals, who in turn have successfully treated patients numbering in the millions. “I took a risk and it's paid off,” Dr. Silverman said. “We've helped a lot of people.”
Gratitude and Growth
Helping people, particularly those with dental anxiety, was the motivation behind the founding of DOCS. Dr. Silverman and the colleagues he initially trained were so enthusiastic about the predictability of these sedation techniques, they wanted to spread the word. “We wanted to give other practices the opportunity to gain access to this huge population that was avoiding the dentist,” he recalled.
They also discovered benefits to their own practices, beyond gaining patients. “We became very appreciated,” he said. “And that trickled down to the team level. Team members felt more appreciated not only by the doctor but also by the patients.”
A Journey of Learning
Ever since, DOCS has been constantly improving and expanding its offerings. In addition to adult oral sedation, DOCS now teaches protocols for pediatric and IV sedation. “Putting together an IV sedation program was probably the biggest hurdle we've ever faced,” Dr. Silverman said. “But we can now train individuals in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.”
He emphasizes the need for dedication to learning and safety when performing sedation dentistry. “You don’t have to do a lot, but what you have to do is very important,” he said. “If you're the kind of person who is excited about attracting a percentage of the population that isn't seeing the dentist, and you are willing to learn the appropriate guidelines and provide the necessary monitoring and team training, you should go for it.”
Changing Lives with Pride
Dr. Silverman recounts the story of a mail carrier for his office who never smiled. “We thought she was a grump,” he said. It turned out she had refractory periodontal disease and a deep fear of the dentist. After Dr. Silverman convinced her to try sedation dentistry and made dentures for her, her self-esteem “went right through the roof,” he said. “She went into real estate and became super successful.
“That’s the No. 1 thing I'm proud of is how many fearful patients like her whose lives we’ve been able to change,” he said. “No. 2, I'm proud of our profession for being cautious and following the rules. And third, I'm proud of our team that's helped build this.”
