Major Changes Coming to California Dental Anesthesia Permits in 2025
As we approach 2025, California dentists should be aware of significant changes to anesthesia and sedation permits issued by the Dental Board of California. These modifications, stemming from the Board’s Sunset Bill, SB 1453, will take effect on January 1, 2025. Let’s break down the key updates that will impact dental professionals across the state.
New Definition of “Good Standing”
The bill introduces a new definition of “good standing” to clarify the license or permit requirements for various anesthesia and sedation permits. This affects General Anesthesia (GA), Medical General Anesthesia (MGA), Moderate Sedation (MS), Pediatric Minimal Sedation (PMS) permits, and Oral Conscious Sedation for Adults (OCS-A) certificates.
General Anesthesia Permit Updates
- Dentists applying for a GA permit must now maintain current certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
- The bill clarifies that the dentist administering or ordering deep sedation or general anesthesia must be physically present in the treatment facility while the patient is sedated.
- Patient records submitted for Pediatric Endorsement applications will be kept confidential unless lawfully subpoenaed.
Medical General Anesthesia Permit Changes
- Physicians or surgeons administering deep sedation or general anesthesia in dental offices must now hold both an active license in good standing and an MGA permit from the Dental Board.
- New application requirements include providing a certified license history and evidence of completing an accredited anesthesiology residency program.
Moderate Sedation Permit Modifications
- MS permit holders with pediatric endorsement must maintain continuous certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support or equivalent Board-approved training.
- The bill provides a pathway for MS permit holders to gain experience with pediatric patients under supervision when applying for a Pediatric Endorsement.
- Like GA permits, MS permit holders must be physically present during sedation procedures.
New Guidelines for Moderate Sedation Courses
Courses provided in California dental offices must now meet specific requirements, including:
- Adherence to all office facility, equipment, and staff requirements for moderate sedation permit holders.
- Completion of at least 20 cases under direct supervision of a California-licensed dentist with appropriate permits.
- Specific supervision requirements for pediatric cases.
Oral Conscious Sedation for Adults (OCS-A) Certificate Changes
- Applicants can now qualify through completion of a Board-approved pediatric dental or periodontics residency.
- The previous qualification pathway of documenting 10 adult cases has been eliminated.
Introduction of Pediatric Minimal Sedation Permits
- The definition of “minimal sedation” has been updated.
- PMS permit holders must complete a minimum of seven hours of continuing education related to pediatric minimal sedation for permit renewal.
These changes reflect California’s commitment to enhancing patient safety and ensuring that dental professionals are well-prepared to administer various levels of sedation and anesthesia. Dentists should review these updates carefully and ensure they meet the new requirements before the January 1, 2025 effective date.
For more information or to apply for permits, visit the Dental Board of California’s Applicants page or contact the Anesthesia Unit Staff at (916) 263-2300 (option #3) or AU.Program@dca.ca.gov.
