The Independent Advantage
Why Choose an
Independent CRNA?
For dental offices, surgeons, and ambulatory surgery centers in Washtenaw County, an independent CRNA means safer patients, sharper clinical focus, and real revenue growth — without the overhead of a group contract or the distraction of managing anesthesia yourself.
Talk to EricaAnesthetics administered by CRNAs annually in the US
Of rural critical access hospitals rely on CRNAs as primary anesthesia providers
Typical cost savings vs. traditional anesthesia group contracts
CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers for the US Armed Forces in forward combat zones
Trusted at the Highest Level
The U.S. Military Trusts CRNAs — Exclusively
In forward combat zones, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers for the United States Armed Forces. When the military needs anesthesia delivered in the most demanding, high-stakes environments on earth — austere conditions, mass casualty events, life-or-death surgical care — they don't send anesthesiologists. They send CRNAs.
That level of institutional trust is not incidental. It reflects decades of evidence that CRNAs deliver safe, expert anesthesia care independently — across every case type, in every setting. If a CRNA is qualified to manage anesthesia on the battlefield, they are more than qualified to manage anesthesia in your practice.
Built for Your Practice
What an Independent CRNA
Does for Your Practice
Focus on the Procedure, Not the Patient
When a dentist administers their own sedation, their attention is divided — monitoring vitals, managing the airway, and trying to perform dentistry at the same time. That's not ideal for anyone. With a dedicated CRNA managing anesthesia, you can give 100% of your focus to the procedure. Better dentistry. Safer patients. Less stress.
Unlock New Revenue Streams
Many dental practices refer out patients who need IV sedation or general anesthesia — leaving significant revenue on the table. With an independent CRNA on-site, you can bring those cases in-house. Implant placements, extractions, pediatric dentistry, patients with dental anxiety — cases you previously couldn't take become cases you can confidently schedule and complete.
Cost-Effective Coverage
Hiring a full-time anesthesia provider doesn't make sense for most dental practices. An independent CRNA gives you expert anesthesia coverage exactly when you need it — per procedure, per day, or on a recurring schedule — without the overhead of a salary, benefits, or a group contract. You pay for clinical care, nothing more.
Patient Safety You Can Count On
Erica Riley, DNP, CRNA brings doctoral-level training, ACLS/PALS certification, and a full emergency drug kit to every engagement. Patients are continuously monitored — SpO₂, ETCO₂, cardiac rhythm, blood pressure — from induction through recovery. Your patients are in expert hands, and your practice is protected.
Revenue Opportunity
Stop Referring Out.
Start Capturing More.
Every patient you refer out for sedation or general anesthesia is revenue leaving your practice. With a dedicated CRNA on-site, those cases stay in-house — and your practice becomes capable of serving a broader, more complex patient population.
The Math Is Simple
Side by Side
Independent CRNA vs. Anesthesia Group
Setting the Record Straight
Common Misconceptions
There are a lot of myths about independent CRNAs. Here's the evidence-based reality.
Myth: CRNAs aren't as qualified as anesthesiologists.
Fact: CRNAs complete graduate-level anesthesia training (master's or doctoral degree) with thousands of supervised clinical hours. They are licensed, board-certified, and authorized to practice the full scope of anesthesia independently in Michigan.
Myth: Independent means less oversight and accountability.
Fact: Independent CRNAs carry their own malpractice insurance, maintain active licensure, and are held to the same AANA standards as any employed provider. Accountability is direct — there's no group to diffuse responsibility.
Myth: You need an anesthesiologist for complex cases.
Fact: CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in the majority of rural hospitals and many urban surgical centers across the country. Critically, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers for the U.S. Armed Forces in forward combat zones — trusted by the military to deliver anesthesia in the highest-stakes environments imaginable. Studies consistently show equivalent patient outcomes between CRNAs and anesthesiologists across all case types.
Myth: Independent CRNAs are harder to credential.
Fact: Credentialing a single independent provider is often simpler than managing a group contract. All documentation — licensure, DEA, malpractice, certifications — is available and organized for fast facility onboarding.
Is This Right for You?
Who Benefits Most
General & Cosmetic Dentists
Offer IV sedation for anxious patients, complex restorations, or lengthy procedures — without referring out or splitting your focus between dentistry and anesthesia monitoring.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
Handle more complex extractions, implant placements, and jaw surgeries in-office with dedicated anesthesia support. Increase case volume and keep your surgical focus sharp.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
ASCs benefit most from independent CRNA coverage — flexible scheduling, consistent provider relationships, and significant cost savings compared to group anesthesia contracts.
Specialty & Multi-Specialty Practices
Periodontal, endodontic, and pediatric practices can expand their service offerings and patient base by adding in-office anesthesia capability without the complexity of a group contract.
CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in approximately 80% of all rural counties in the United States — and studies show patient outcomes are equivalent to those achieved by anesthesiologists.— American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA)
Ready to Make the Switch?
Let's Talk About Your Practice's Potential
Whether you're exploring in-office anesthesia for the first time or looking to replace an existing group contract, Erica is happy to answer your questions and walk through what a partnership would look like for your specific practice.