Professions and businesses; improve efficiencies in issuance of permits for dentists to administer conscious sedation and general anesthesia

More flexible anesthesia permits for dentists

Georgia dentists have more flexible reviews when seeking or renewing conscious-sedation and general-anesthesia permits. The Georgia Board of Dentistry or its designee can evaluate and certify facilities, replacing the specified on-site examination requirement. The board can assign qualified people to conduct evaluations, certifications, and exams. Dentists can demonstrate safe, effective use on one or more patients outside their own offices. They still need properly equipped, certified facilities and the required training or professional qualifications. Conscious-sedation training must come from an accredited or board-approved organization, with certification covering sedation skills and emergency care. The board sets minimum classroom hours, patient-contact hours, and supervised patient counts. General-anesthesia applicants need either at least one year of accredited advanced anesthesiology training beyond dental school or a listed professional qualification. Those alternatives are diplomate status with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, membership in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, or fellowship in the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. The board can also set facility, equipment, and staffing standards for both types of care.