What is a Non Hospital Surgical Facility, or NHSF?
An NHSF is accredited by the College of Physicians & Surgeons. It is a surgical facility that can provide all levels of
anesthesia and surgical procedures that do not require an overnight stay.
An NHSF Facility must meet the requirements for out-patient surgery, infection control and anesthesia mandated by the College of Physicians & Surgeons and the Alberta Dental Association & College.
What is the difference between a Dental Surgeon and an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?
All dentists that graduate from dental school are dental surgeons (DDS stands for doctor of dental surgery)
Following dental school Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons go on to complete a 4 to 7 year surgical hospital residency to enhance their training in conditions affecting the face, mouth, and jaws. Following the surgical residency, they complete an oral and written examination to become board certified.
Why have I been referred to an Oral Surgeon?
Patients are typically referred to an Oral Surgeon when the treatment needed is beyond the scope of a general dentist’s expertise, patient needs, is medically compromised, or requests sedation/anesthesia.
What is General Anesthesia?
Please see our page regarding general anesthesia information.
Who is administering anesthesia to my child?
Dr. Lalli and Dr. Higashi are trained in all aspects of anesthesia and can administer all levels of sedation as set out in the Provincial Guidelines. For general anesthesia cases, Dr. Lalli and Dr. Higashi work with medical anesthesiologists who can focus their attention on the patient while they perform the patient’s surgery. Registered Nurses are always present at all phases of the anesthesia process.
Do all Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons have Hospital admitting privileges?
Not all Oral Surgeons in the city have hospital privileges. Dr. Higashi does have full hospital privileges and is one of eleven surgeons that comprise the service of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery in Calgary. These surgeons belong to the Department of Surgery and have admitting, consulting and operating privileges in all five of the Calgary region hospitals. Hospital privileges enable Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons to manage complex surgical and medical cases that require admission to the hospital. Although rare, if necessary, any outpatient surgical complications can be transferred to the hospital under Dr. Higashi’s direct care. Hospital privileges allow Dr. Higashi to participate and teach in the residency training program at the Foothills Hospital and Tom Baker Cancer Centre. The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery group works together to cover each others patients 24/7, 365 days a year.
Does AHS Cover any of my treatment?
Some procedures such as treatment for cancer, severe infections, head and neck trauma, jaw fractures, syndromes and pathology may be eligible for Alberta Health Service coverage. However pre-treatment consultation and imaging fees for these procedures may not be covered. Dental treatment is never eligible under Alberta Health Care provisions.
Why is there a separate consultation appointment?
A consultation allows Dr. Lalli or Dr. Higashi and the patient to meet. We review the patient’s medical history to determine medication interactions, allergies and if the surgery can be done in an ambulatory center, or the hospital. We inform the patient of the risks and benefits of their surgery and provide treatment options.
Is parking free at your office ?
Yes, parking is free at the Northland Professional Centre !!
Why Morphine and not Codeine for my child?
Please see this article for information on why morphine is suggested for children instead of codeine.