In this special episode of Calm in the Chair: The Dental Fear Solution, Dr. Vince Monticciolo sits down with Dr. Joe Lotfi, a board-certified Dental Anesthesiologist, to take a deep dive into the fascinating and vital role of dental anesthesia in modern care.

Together, they answer ten essential questions — the ones patients really want to know — about how Dental Anesthesiologists help make even the most advanced dental procedures safe, comfortable, and accessible.

From sedation options and patient safety to training, teamwork, and the myths about being “put to sleep” for dental care, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to offer comprehensive, anxiety-free dentistry.

Whether you’re a nervous patient, a parent, or just someone curious about how dentistry continues to evolve, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and confidence.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:05 - Dr. Lotfi's background and path to becoming a Dental Anesthesiologist

6:23 - The flexibility to treat any type of patient

10:22 - Building Surgical Sedation Center to offer this elevated care

20:42 - How a Dental Anesthesiologist works with dentists

26:49 - The biggest misconception with anesthesia

32:04 - Closing remarks