Two permits granted to California dentists for the administration of general anesthesia and sedation will be replaced beginning Jan. 1, the California Dental Association said Dec. 8.
Senate Bill 501, signed into law in 2018, requires dentists to obtain the new permits if they administer or order the administration of general anesthesia, moderate sedation or minimal sedation. It also requires dentists to obtain a pediatric endorsement before administering general anesthesia or deep sedation to patients younger than 7 years old or moderate or minimal sedation to patients under 13.
The conscious sedation permits for adults and minors will be replaced with the moderate sedation and pediatric minimal sedation permits, respectively.
The dental association said it is advocating for the implementation date to be extended after the Dental Board of California warned that it may not be able to issue new permits if the Department of Consumer Affairs does not approve regulatory language for the permits by Jan. 1. The board encouraged current permit holders to renew by Dec. 31 so they can receive new permits valid for two years and practice under existing terms until they expire.