For over three years, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission has been working to update our state’s dental anesthesia rules. The rules have now been finalized and will be effective as of January 11, 2024.
For over three years, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission has been working to update our state’s dental anesthesia rules. The rules have now been finalized and will be effective as of January 11, 2024.
The updated rules contain several new requirements for dentists, including (among other requirements):
- When anesthetic of any kind is administered, including topical anesthesia, vitals must be obtained for patients older than 13 years of age.
- Whenever anesthetic agents of any kind are administered, the dentist and staff must have access to an AED or defibrillator. This requirement applies to all offices that administer anesthesia, including those that only administer topical anesthesia.
- Moderate sedation with enteral and parenteral agents permitholders must perform a minimum of 12 emergency drill scenarios at least two times per year.
- A second individual must be in the office and immediately able to respond to any request when minimal sedation with or without nitrous oxide, or moderate sedation with enteral agents, is administered.
- Beginning January 1, 2025, a pediatric sedation endorsement is required to administer moderate sedation with parenteral or enteral agents to patients under 13 years of age.
WSDA encourages members to review the full rules,
WAC 246-817-701 through WAC 246-817-790.
Anesthesia Resources for Members
WSDA has created a dental anesthesia landing page at
wsda.org/anesthesia to help members familiarize themselves with the new rules.
Log in to view general FAQs, key dates and downloadable FAQ documents segmented by anesthesia level.
Visit wsda.org/anesthesia