Interprofessional collaboration between CRNAs and dental practitioners

Purpose of Project: Since the implementation of executive order number 112 in the state of New Jersey, CRNAs (certified registered nurse anesthetists) are now permitted to administer anesthesia in a dental office setting without a joint protocol with a physician anesthesiologist. For patients and practitioners to reap the benefits of these policy changes; this study sought to increase the likelihood of interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists and CRNAs by providing education to students enrolled at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Methodology: The participants of this prospective study partook in a virtual educational lecture and an in-person hands-on anesthesia workshop geared toward increasing their knowledge and confidence in the CRNA profession. Results: Data was collected via pre intervention and post intervention surveys, which showed that the dental students were more aware of CRNA practice and more likely to collaborate with them in practice after the educational intervention. Implications for Practice: Armed with the knowledge that CRNAs can provide cost-effective and safe anesthesia care, future dental medicine practitioners will be more enthusiastic to collaborate with them in practice. Increased utilization of CRNAs in dental medicine is also financially advantageous to patients as well as dental practitioners; and the job opportunities that this subset opens up for CRNAs is dually valuable.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference