Michael Silverman

Michael D. Silverman
Dr. Michael D. Silverman, DMD, DDOCS, DICOI, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 1958. Dr. Silverman is known around the world for his achievements in dental innovation, pain control, and patient advocacy. In particular Dr. Silverman is recognized for his pioneering efforts in the field of oral and IV sedation dentistry.
The prevalence of dental anxiety is well-documented and has persisted for decades despite improvements in pain control, materials, and less invasive procedures. Fearful patients tend to avoid dentistry and thus seriously compromise their oral health; Dr. Silverman has devoted his career to treating these patients and ensuring their return to regular care.
Founder of DOCS Education
Dr. Silverman began developing oral sedation dentistry techniques and protocols during his 24-year career as a general dentist. He adapted procedures considered routine in outpatient medicine and customized them to the benefit of patients in the dental office.
The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, now known as DOCS Education, was founded by Dr. Silverman in 1999. Since that time Dr. Silverman has trained thousands of dentists and other caregivers to safely administer oral and IV sedation. Studies consistently affirm the value of this approach in helping phobic patients seek and continue regular dental treatment.
Started with a single class offering and run from a basement office, Dr. Silverman’s company has expanded to include a wide-ranging curriculum and prestigious faculty, including his partner, Dr. Anthony Feck, DMD, DDOCS. Courses are taught across the country. DOCS Education moved its headquarters from Philadelphia to Seattle, Washington, in 2006.
It’s estimated that over two million patients have been treated using sedation dentistry as a result of the training provided by DOCS Education.
Concurrent with the work of DOCS Education the discipline of sedation dentistry has enjoyed phenomenal growth in the past decade. The use of oral (enteral) and intravenous (parenteral) sedation has evolved from a procedure provided solely by specialists to an accepted mainstream practice used by 4 out 10 general dentists in the United States.
Education
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Silverman has attended more than 850 hours of postdoctoral training and CE between 1985 and 2009. He also completed a residency in IV sedation at Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, NY.

Controversy
The use of conscious sedation techniques in dentistry has not been without controversy. Opponents cite off-label use of sedative-hypnotics for outpatient sedation and incremental dosing as areas of concern. However, published evidence and widespread clinical experience confirm the value of anesthesia and sedation services, even for very young patients and those with special needs.
A nonprofit fund started by Dr. Silverman—the Oral Sedation Research Fund—bestows grants to studies focusing upon the safety and application of sedation in dentistry. Recipients include the University of Washington and the University of Maryland, both of whom published their findings.
Organizations and Memberships
Additionally, Dr. Silverman is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and as a Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has been awarded a lifetime membership in the Crown Council.
Dr. Silverman also serves as President of RAMP, a dental advertising agency, and , an international marketing company.
Educator and Writer
Dr. Silverman lectures across the country on the methods, techniques, and significance of sedation dentistry. He has presented at conferences for the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Yankee Dental Congress, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Association of Endodontists, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and many others. His works are published in Dental Economics, Woman Dentist Journal, Alpha Omegan, International Magazine of Oral Implantology, Dentistry Today, Dear Doctor, and the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, among others.

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