Navigating Pregnancy in Dentistry

Navigating Pregnancy in Dentistry

Nitrous, sevo, and real-world advice for dental professionals


Pregnancy in dentistry comes with unique challenges, especially for residents, new grads, and small-practice employees working with nitrous oxide, sedation, or in the OR. From safety concerns and staffing complications to HR minefields and practical accommodations, this conversation captures the real-world balancing act faced by pregnant dental professionals, and the teams they work with.

What’s the deal with nitrous and sevo?
The literature supports the safe use of nitrous oxide in properly scavenged environments. According to the European Journal of Anaesthesiology, N2O remains valuable and safe with good ventilation and monitoring. Many OBs and employers agree, but real-life comfort levels vary. Some pregnant providers use N2O with suction, rubber dam, and well-fitting nasal hoods. Others avoid it altogether. Sevoflurane, commonly used in OR settings, is typically administered through closed circuits. Asking for cuffed endotracheal tubes adds another layer of safety. Bottom line: know your systems, talk to anesthesia providers, and monitor exposure if needed.

To tell or not to tell
Most women wait until the end of the first trimester to disclose pregnancy, and for good reason. While it’s illegal to discriminate based on pregnancy, many posters share stories of subtle retaliation, cut hours, cold treatment, or mysteriously disappearing positions. That said, early disclosure helps offices plan coverage and protect your health, especially if adjustments are needed. Always document the conversation. Keep it professional and proactive.

Navigating residency and workload
For dental residents, pregnancy adds complexity. You might be the only available provider. You might feel guilty about burdening your co-residents. But protecting your health and baby is priority number one. Ask about accommodations early. Other residents have worn exposure badges, modified their duties, or reassigned nitrous-heavy cases. And yes, plenty worked full schedules through healthy pregnancies.

Small practice, big impact
In lean offices, a pregnant assistant or provider missing shifts, even with legit reasons, can be destabilizing. Employers often feel stuck: pay double staff, or risk accusations of discrimination. Many recommend a compassionate yet business-minded approach: reduce hours legally, document performance, explore part-time or auxiliary roles, and always consult legal or HR advisors before making changes. One dentist summed it up bluntly: “I’m a business owner. I have a family to feed too.”

X-rays and treatment safety
Despite outdated fears, modern dental radiographs and local anesthesia are safe throughout pregnancy, per ADA and ACOG. Shield the abdomen and thyroid, stick with lidocaine if nervous, and don’t delay necessary treatment. Antibiotics? Yes, with OB clearance. Elective procedures? Also OK. But good documentation and communication with the patient’s OB never hurt.

Final thoughts
Every pregnancy and practice is different. The best strategy is a mix of evidence, communication, empathy, and policy. Whether you’re an employer juggling staffing gaps, or a pregnant provider unsure how to proceed, remember: clarity, documentation, and flexibility go a long way. Dentistry is a demanding profession. Add pregnancy, and it gets even more personal. But with the right support and planning, it’s entirely possible to thrive on both fronts.


Join the Conversation!


Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Who or what do you turn to for most financial advice regarding your practice?
  
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2025 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450