Part I
General Provisions

18VAC60-20-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"ADA" means the American Dental Association.

"Advertising" means a representation or other notice given to the public or members thereof, directly or indirectly, by a dentist on behalf of himself, his facility, his partner or associate, or any dentist affiliated with the dentist or his facility by any means or method for the purpose of inducing purchase, sale or use of dental methods, services, treatments, operations, procedures or products, or to promote continued or increased use of such dental methods, treatments, operations, procedures or products.

"Analgesia" means the diminution or elimination of pain in the conscious patient.

"Anxiolysis" means the diminution or elimination of anxiety through the use of pharmacological agents in a dosage that does not cause depression of consciousness.

"CODA" means the Commission on Dental Accreditation of American Dental Association.

"Conscious sedation" means a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal commands, produced by pharmacological or nonpharmacological methods, including inhalation, parenteral, transdermal or enteral, or a combination thereof.

"Conscious/moderate sedation" means a drug-induced depression of consciousness, during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

"Deep sedation/general anesthesia" "Deep sedation" means an induced state of depressed consciousness or unconsciousness accompanied by a complete or partial loss of protective reflexes, including the inability to continually maintain an airway independently and/or respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command and is produced by a pharmacological or nonpharmacological method or a combination thereof a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

"Dental assistant I" means any unlicensed person under the direction of a dentist who renders assistance for services provided to the patient as authorized under this chapter but shall not include an individual serving in purely a secretarial or clerical capacity.

"Dental assistant II" means a person under the direction and direct supervision of a dentist who is registered to perform reversible, intraoral procedures as specified in this chapter.

"Direct supervision" means that the dentist examines the patient and records diagnostic findings prior to delegating restorative or prosthetic treatment and related services to a dental assistant II for completion the same day or at a later date. The dentist prepares the tooth or teeth to be restored and remains immediately available to the dental assistant II for guidance or assistance during the delivery of treatment and related services.The dentist examines the patient to evaluate the treatment and services before the patient is dismissed.

"Direction" means the level of supervision that a dentist is required to exercise with a dental hygienist, a dental assistant I, or a dental assistant II or that a dental hygienist is required to exercise with a dental assistant to direct and oversee the delivery of treatment and related services.

"Enteral" means any technique of administration in which the agent is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract or oral mucosa (i.e., oral, rectal, sublingual).

"General anesthesia" means a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.

"General supervision" means that a dentist completes a periodic comprehensive examination of the patient and issues a written order for hygiene treatment that states the specific services to be provided by a dental hygienist during one or more subsequent appointments when the dentist may or may not be present. The order may authorize the dental hygienist to supervise a dental assistant performing duties delegable to dental assistants I.

"Immediate supervision" means the dentist is in the operatory to supervise the administration of sedation or provision of treatment.

"Indirect supervision" means the dentist examines the patient at some point during the appointment, and is continuously present in the office to advise and assist a dental hygienist or a dental assistant who is (i) delivering hygiene treatment, (ii) preparing the patient for examination or treatment by the dentist or dental hygienist, or (iii) preparing the patient for dismissal following treatment.

"Inhalation" means a technique of administration in which a gaseous or volatile agent, including nitrous oxide, is introduced into the pulmonary tree and whose primary effect is due to absorption through the pulmonary bed.

"Inhalation analgesia" means the inhalation of nitrous oxide and oxygen to produce a state of reduced sensibility to pain without the loss of consciousness.

"Local anesthesia" means the loss of sensation or pain in the oral cavity or the maxillofacial or adjacent and associated structures generally produced by a topically applied or injected agent without depressing the level of consciousness.

"Minimal sedation" means a minimally depressed level of consciousness, produced by a pharmacological method, which retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. Although cognitive function and coordination may be modestly impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected.

"Moderate sedation" (see meaning of conscious/moderate sedation).

"Monitoring" means to observe, interpret, assess, and record appropriate physiologic functions of the body during sedative procedures and general anesthesia appropriate to the level of sedation as provided in Part IV (18VAC20-60-107 et seq.) of this chapter.

"Mobile dental facility" means a self-contained unit in which dentistry is practiced that is not confined to a single building and can be transported from one location to another.

"Parenteral" means a technique of administration in which the drug bypasses the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal, submucosal, subcutaneous, or intraocular).

"Portable dental operation" means a nonfacility in which dental equipment used in the practice of dentistry is transported to and utilized on a temporary basis at an out-of-office location, including patients' homes, schools, nursing homes, or other institutions.

"Radiographs" means intraoral and extraoral x-rays of hard and soft tissues to be used for purposes of diagnosis.

18VAC60-20-30. Other fees.

A. Dental licensure application fees. The application fee for a dental license by examination, a license to teach dentistry, a full-time faculty license, or a temporary permit as a dentist shall be $400. The application fee for dental license by credentials shall be $500.

B. Dental hygiene licensure application fees. The application fee for a dental hygiene license by examination, a license to teach dental hygiene, or a temporary permit as a dental hygienist shall be $175. The application fee for dental hygienist license by endorsement shall be $275.

C. Dental assistant II registration application fee. The application fee for registration as a dental assistant II shall be $100.

D. Wall certificate. Licensees desiring a duplicate wall certificate or a dental assistant II desiring a wall certificate shall submit a request in writing stating the necessity for a wall certificate, accompanied by a fee of $60.

E. Duplicate license or registration. Licensees or registrants desiring a duplicate license or registration shall submit a request in writing stating the necessity for such duplicate, accompanied by a fee of $20. If a licensee or registrant maintains more than one office, a notarized photocopy of a license or registration may be used.

F. Licensure or registration certification. Licensees or registrants requesting endorsement or certification by this board shall pay a fee of $35 for each endorsement or certification.

G. Restricted license. Restricted license issued in accordance with § 54.1-2714 of the Code of Virginia shall be at a fee of $285.

H. Restricted volunteer license. The application fee for licensure as a restricted volunteer dentist or dental hygienist issued in accordance with § 54.1-2712.1 or § 54.1-2726.1 of the Code of Virginia shall be $25.

I. Returned check. The fee for a returned check shall be $35.

J. Inspection fee. The fee for an inspection of a dental office shall be $350 with the exception of a routine inspection of an office in which the dentist has a conscious/moderate sedation permit or a deep sedation/general anesthesia permit.

K. Conscious/moderate sedation permit. The application fee for a permit to administer conscious/moderate sedation shall be $100. The annual renewal fee shall be $100 and shall be due by March 31. A late fee of $35 shall be charged for renewal received after that date.

L. Deep sedation/general anesthesia permit. The application fee for a permit to administer deep sedation/general anesthesia shall be $100. The annual renewal fee shall be $100 and shall be due by March 31. A late fee of $35 shall be charged for renewal received after that date.

Part IV
Anesthesia, Sedation and Analgesia

18VAC60-20-107. General provisions.

A. This part (18VAC60-20-107 et seq.) shall not apply to:

1. The administration of local anesthesia in dental offices; or

2. The administration of anesthesia in (i) a licensed hospital as defined in § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia or state-operated hospitals or (ii) a facility directly maintained or operated by the federal government.

B. Appropriateness of administration of general anesthesia or sedation in a dental office.

1. Anesthesia and sedation may be provided in a dental office for patients who are Class I and II as classified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

2. Conscious sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia shall not be provided in a dental office for patients in ASA risk categories of Class IV and V.

3. Patients in ASA risk category Class III shall only be provided general anesthesia, deep sedation, conscious/moderate sedation, or minimal sedation by:

a. A dentist after he has documented a consultation with their primary care physician or other medical specialist regarding potential risk and special monitoring requirements that may be necessary; or

b. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon after performing an evaluation and documenting the ASA risk assessment category of the patient and any special monitoring requirements that may be necessary.

C. Prior to administration of sedation or general anesthesia, the dentist shall discuss the nature and objectives of the anesthesia or sedation planned along with the risks, benefits and alternatives and shall obtain informed, written consent from the patient or other responsible party. The written consent shall be maintained in the patient record.

D. The determinant for the application of these rules shall be the degree of sedation or consciousness level of a patient that should reasonably be expected to result from the type and dosage of medication, the method of administration and the individual characteristics of the patient as documented in the patient's record. The drugs and techniques used must carry a margin of safety wide enough to render an unintended reduction of or loss of consciousness unlikely factoring in titration, and the patient's age, weight and ability to metabolize drugs.

E. A dentist who is administering anesthesia or sedation to patients prior to June 29, 2005 shall have one year from that date to comply with the educational requirements set forth in this chapter for the administration of anesthesia or sedation. When conscious/moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia is administered, the patient record shall also include:

1. Notation of the patient's American Society of Anesthesiologists classification;

2. Review of medical history and current conditions;

3. Written informed consent for administration of sedation and anesthesia and for the dental procedure to be performed;

4. Pre-operative vital signs;

5. A record of the name, dose, and strength of drugs and route of administration including the administration of local anesthetics with notations of the time sedation and anesthesia were administered;

6. Monitoring records of all required vital signs and physiological measures recorded every five minutes; and

7. A list of staff participating in the administration, treatment, and monitoring including name, position, and assigned duties.

F. Pediatric patients. No sedating medication shall be prescribed for or administered to a child age 12 and under prior to his arrival at the dentist office or treatment facility.

G. Emergency management.

1. If a patient enters a deeper level of sedation than the dentist is qualified and prepared to provide, the dentist shall stop the dental procedure until the patient returns to and is stable at the intended level of sedation.

2. A dentist in whose office sedation or anesthesia is administered shall have written basic emergency procedures established and staff trained to carry out such procedures.

18VAC60-20-110. Requirements for a permit to administer deep sedation/general anesthesia.

A. Educational requirements After March 31, 2013, no dentist may employ or use deep sedation/general anesthesia in a dental office unless he has been issued a permit by the board. The requirement for a permit shall not apply to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who maintains membership in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and who provides the board with reports which result from the periodic office examinations required by AAOMS. Such an oral and maxillofacial surgeon shall be required to post a certificate issued by AAOMS.

B. To determine eligibility for a deep sedation/general anesthesia permit, a dentist shall submit the following:

1. A completed application form;

2. The application fee as specified in 18VAC60-20-30;

3. A copy of the certificate of completion of a CODA accredited program or other documentation of training content which meets the educational and training qualifications specified in subsection C of this section; and

4. A copy of current certification in ACLS or PALS as required in subsection C of this section.

C. Educational and training qualifications for a deep sedation/general anesthesia permit.

1. A dentist may employ or be issued a permit to use deep sedation/general anesthesia on an outpatient basis in a dental office by meeting one of the following educational criteria and by posting the educational certificate, in plain view of the patient, which verifies completion of the advanced training as required in subdivision 1 or 2 of this subsection. These requirements shall not apply nor interfere with requirements for obtaining hospital staff privileges.

1. Has completed a. Completion of a minimum of one calendar year of advanced training in anesthesiology and related academic subjects beyond the undergraduate dental school level in a training program in conformity with published guidelines by the American Dental Association (Guidelines for Teaching the Comprehensive Control of Anxiety and Pain in Dentistry) in effect at the time the training occurred; or

2. b. Completion of an American Dental Association approved a CODA accredited residency in any dental specialty which incorporates into its curriculum a minimum of one calendar year of full-time training in clinical anesthesia and related clinical medical subjects (i.e. medical evaluation and management of patients), comparable to those set forth in published guidelines by the American Dental Association for Graduate and Postgraduate Training in Anesthesia in effect at the time the training occurred.

After June 29, 2006, dentists 2. Dentists who administer deep sedation/general anesthesia shall hold current certification in advanced resuscitative techniques with hands-on simulated airway and megacode training for healthcare providers, including basic electrocardiographic interpretation, such as courses in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) for Health Professionals or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for Health Professionals and current Drug Enforcement Administration registration.

B. Exceptions.

1. A dentist who has not met the requirements specified in subsection A of this section may treat patients under deep sedation/general anesthesia in his practice if a qualified anesthesiologist or a dentist who fulfills the requirements specified in subsection A of this section, is present and is responsible for the administration of the anesthetic.

2. If a dentist fulfills the requirements specified in subsection A of this section, he may employ the services of a certified nurse anesthetist.

C. D. Posting. Any dentist who utilizes deep sedation/general anesthesia shall post with the dental license and current registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the certificate of education deep sedation/general anesthesia permit or AAOMS certificate required under subsection A of this section.

E. Delegation of administration.

1. A dentist not qualified to administer deep sedation and general anesthesia shall only use the services of a dentist with a current deep sedation/general anesthesia permit or an anesthesiologist to administer deep sedation or general anesthesia in a dental office. In a licensed outpatient surgery center, a dentist not qualified to administer deep sedation or general anesthesia shall use either a permitted dentist, an anesthesiologist, or a certified registered nurse anesthetist to administer deep sedation or general anesthesia.

2. A dentist qualified pursuant to subsection B of this section may administer or use the services of the following personnel to administer deep sedation or general anesthesia:

a. A dentist with a current deep sedation/anesthesia permit;

b. An anesthesiologist; or

c. A certified registered nurse anesthetist under the medical direction and indirect supervision of a dentist who meets the educational requirements of subsection B of this section.

3. Preceding the administration of deep sedation or general anesthesia, a permitted dentist may use the services of the following personnel under indirect supervision to administer local anesthesia to numb the injection or treatment site:

a. A dental hygienist with the training required in 18VAC60-20-81 to parenterally administer Schedule VI local anesthesia to persons age 18 or older; or

b. A dental hygienist, dental assistant, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse to administer Schedule VI topical oral anesthetics.

D. F. Emergency equipment and techniques. A dentist who administers deep sedation/general anesthesia shall be proficient in handling emergencies and complications related to pain control procedures, including the maintenance of respiration and circulation, immediate establishment of an airway and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and shall maintain the following emergency equipment in the dental facility working order and immediately available to the areas where patients will be sedated and treated and will recover:

1. Full face mask for children or adults, as appropriate for the patient being treated;

2. Oral and nasopharyngeal airways airway management adjuncts;

3. Endotracheal tubes for children or adults, or both, with appropriate connectors or other appropriate airway management adjunct such as a laryngeal mask airway;

4. A laryngoscope with reserve batteries and bulbs and appropriately sized laryngoscope blades for children or adults, or both;

5. Source of delivery of oxygen under controlled positive pressure;

6. Mechanical (hand) respiratory bag;

7. Pulse oximetry and blood pressure monitoring equipment available and used in the treatment room;

8. Appropriate emergency drugs for patient resuscitation;

9. EKG monitoring equipment and temperature measuring devices;

10. Pharmacologic antagonist agents;

11. External defibrillator (manual or automatic); and

12. For intubated patients, an End-Tidal CO² monitor;

13. Suction apparatus;

14. Throat pack; and

15. Precordial or pretracheal stethoscope.

E. G. Monitoring requirements.

1. The treatment team for deep sedation/general anesthesia shall consist of the operating dentist, a second person to monitor and observe the patient and a third person to assist the operating dentist, all of whom shall be in the operatory with the patient during the dental procedure.

2. Monitoring of the patient under deep sedation/general anesthesia, including direct, visual observation of the patient by a member of the team, is to begin prior to induction of anesthesia and shall take place continuously during the dental procedure and recovery from anesthesia. The person who administered the anesthesia or another licensed practitioner qualified to administer the same level of anesthesia must remain on the premises of the dental facility until the patient has regained consciousness and is discharged.

3. Monitoring deep sedation/general anesthesia shall include the following: recording and reporting of blood pressure, pulse, respiration and other vital signs to the attending dentist.

a. Baseline vital signs shall be taken and recorded prior to administration of any controlled drug at the facility to include: temperature, blood pressure, pulse, pulse oximeter, oxygen saturation, respiration, and heart rate.

b. The patient's vital signs shall be monitored, recorded every five minutes and reported to the treating dentist throughout the administration of controlled drugs and recovery. When depolarizing medications are administered temperature shall be monitored constantly.

c. A secured intravenous line must be established and maintained throughout the procedure.

H. Discharge requirements.

1. The patient shall not be discharged until the responsible licensed practitioner determines that the patient's level of consciousness, oxygenation, ventilation and circulation are satisfactory for discharge and vital signs have been taken and recorded.

2. Postoperative instructions shall be given verbally and in writing. The written instructions shall include a 24-hour emergency telephone number for the dental practice.

3. Patients shall be discharged with a responsible individual who has been instructed with regard to the patient's care.

18VAC60-20-120. Requirements for a permit to administer conscious sedation.

A. After March 31, 2013, no dentist may employ or use conscious/moderate sedation in a dental office unless he has been issued a permit by the board. The requirement for a permit shall not apply to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who maintains membership in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and who provides the board with reports which result from the periodic office examinations required by AAOMS. Such an oral and maxillofacial surgeon shall be required to post a certificate issued by AAOMS.

B. Automatic qualification. Dentists qualified who hold a current permit to administer deep sedation/general anesthesia may administer conscious/moderate sedation.

C. To determine eligibility for a conscious/moderate sedation permit, a dentist shall submit the following:

1. A completed application form indicating one of the following permits for which the applicant is qualified:

a. Conscious/moderate sedation by any method;

b. Conscious/moderate sedation by enteral administration only; or

c. Temporary conscious/moderate sedation permit (may be renewed one time);

2. The application fee as specified in 18VAC60-20-30;

3. A copy of a transcript, certification or other documentation of training content which meets the educational and training qualifications as specified in subsection D or E of this section, as applicable; and

4. A copy of current certification in ACLS or PALS as required in subsection F of this section.

B. D. Educational requirements for administration of a permit to administer conscious/moderate sedation by any method.

1. A dentist may be issued a conscious/moderate sedation permit to employ or use any method of conscious sedation by meeting one of the following criteria:

a. Completion of training for this treatment modality according to guidelines published by the American Dental Association (Guidelines for Teaching the Comprehensive Control of Anxiety and Pain in Dentistry) in effect at the time the training occurred, while enrolled at an accredited dental program or while enrolled in a post-doctoral university or teaching hospital program; or

b. Completion of an approved a continuing education course, offered by a provider approved in 18VAC60-20-50, and consisting of 60 hours of didactic instruction plus the management of at least 20 patients per participant, demonstrating competency and clinical experience in parenteral conscious sedation and management of a compromised airway. The course content shall be consistent with guidelines published by the American Dental Association (Guidelines for Teaching the Comprehensive Control of Anxiety and Pain in Dentistry) in effect at the time the training occurred.

2. A dentist who was self-certified in anesthesia and conscious sedation prior to January 1989 may be issued a temporary conscious/moderate sedation permit to continue to administer only conscious sedation until September 14, 2014. After September 14, 2014, a dentist shall meet the requirements for and obtain a conscious/moderate sedation permit by any method or by enteral administration only.

C. E. Educational requirement for enteral administration of conscious sedation only. A dentist may be issued a conscious/moderate sedation permit to only administer conscious sedation by an enteral method if he has completed an approved a continuing education program, offered by a provider approved in 18VAC60-20-50, of not less than 18 hours of didactic instruction plus 20 clinically-oriented experiences in enteral and/or combination inhalation-enteral conscious sedation techniques. The course content shall be consistent with the guidelines published by the American Dental Association (Guidelines for Teaching the Comprehensive Control of Anxiety and Pain in Dentistry) in effect at the time the training occurred. The certificate of completion and a detailed description of the course content must be maintained.

D. F. Additional training required. After June 29, 2006, dentists Dentists who administer conscious sedation shall hold current certification in advanced resuscitation techniques with hands-on simulated airway and megacode training for health care providers, including basic electrocardiographic interpretation, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) for Health Professionals or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for Health Professionals as evidenced by a certificate of completion posted with the dental license, and current registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

G. Posting. Any dentist who utilizes conscious/moderate sedation shall post with the dental license and current registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the conscious/moderate sedation permit required under subsection A of this section and issued in accordance with subsection C of this section or the AAOMS certificate issued to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

H. Delegation of administration.

1. A dentist not qualified to administer conscious/moderate sedation shall only use the services of a permitted dentist or an anesthesiologist to administer such sedation in a dental office. In a licensed outpatient surgery center, a dentist not qualified to administer conscious/moderate sedation shall use either a permitted dentist, an anesthesiologist, or a certified registered nurse anesthetist to administer such sedation.

2. A qualified dentist may administer or use the services of the following personnel to administer conscious/moderate sedation:

a. A dentist with the training required by subsection D of this section to administer by an enteral method;

b. A dentist with the training required by subsection C of this section to administer by any method;

c. An anesthesiologist;

d. A certified registered nurse anesthetist under the medical direction and indirect supervision of a dentist who meets the education and training requirements of subsection C or D of this section; or

e. A registered nurse upon his direct instruction and under the immediate supervision of a dentist who meets the education and training requirements of subsection C of this section.

3. If minimal sedation is self-administered by or to a patient age 13 or above before arrival at the dental office, the dentist may only use the personnel listed in subdivision 2 of this subsection to administer local anesthesia. No sedating medication shall be prescribed for or administered to a child age 12 and under prior to his arrival at the dentist office or treatment facility.

4. Preceding the administration of conscious/moderate sedation, a qualified dentist may use the services of the following personnel under indirect supervision to administer local anesthesia to numb the injection or treatment site:

a. A dental hygienist with the training required by 18VAC60-20-81 to parenterally administer Schedule VI local anesthesia to persons age 18 or older; or

b. A dental hygienist, dental assistant, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse to administer Schedule VI topical oral anesthetics.

E. I. Emergency equipment and techniques. A dentist who administers conscious sedation shall be proficient in handling emergencies and complications related to pain control procedures, including the maintenance of respiration and circulation, immediate establishment of an airway and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and shall maintain the following emergency airway equipment in the dental facility working order and immediately available to the areas where patients will be sedated and treated and will recover:

1. Full face mask for children or adults, as appropriate for the patient being treated;

2. Oral and nasopharyngeal airways airway management adjuncts;

3. Endotracheal tubes for children or adults, or both, with appropriate connectors or other appropriate airway management adjunct such as a laryngeal mask airway and a laryngoscope with reserve batteries and bulbs and appropriately sized laryngoscope blades for children or adults, or both. In lieu of a laryngoscope and endotracheal tubes, a dentist may maintain airway adjuncts designed for the maintenance of a patent airway and the direct delivery of positive pressure oxygen;

4. Pulse oximetry;

5. Blood pressure monitoring equipment;

6. Pharmacologic antagonist agents;

7. Source of delivery of oxygen under controlled positive pressure;

8. Mechanical (hand) respiratory bag; and

9. Appropriate emergency drugs for patient resuscitation;

10. Defibrillator;

11. Electrocardiographic monitor;

12. Suction apparatus;

13. Temperature measuring device;

14. Throat pack; and

15. Precordial and pretracheal stethoscope.

F. J. Monitoring requirements.

1. The administration team for conscious sedation shall consist of the operating dentist and a second person to assist, monitor and observe the patient. Both shall be in the operatory with the patient throughout the dental procedure.

2. Monitoring of the patient under conscious sedation, including direct, visual observation of the patient by a member of the team, is to begin prior to administration of sedation, or if medication is self-administered by the patient, when the patient arrives at the dental office and shall take place continuously during the dental procedure and recovery from sedation. The person who administers the sedation or another licensed practitioner qualified to administer the same level of sedation must remain on the premises of the dental facility until the patient is responsive and is discharged.

3. Monitoring conscious/moderate sedation shall include the following:

a. Baseline vital signs shall be taken and recorded prior to administration of any controlled drug at the facility and prior to discharge.

b. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse and heart rate shall be monitored continually during the administration and recorded every five minutes.

c. Monitoring of the patient under moderate sedation is to begin prior to administration of sedation, or, if pre-medication is self-administered by the patient, immediately upon the patient's arrival at the dental office and shall take place continuously during the dental procedure and recovery from sedation. The person who administers the sedation or another licensed practitioner qualified to administer the same level of sedation must remain on the premises of the dental facility until the patient is evaluated and is discharged.

K. Discharge requirements.

1. The patient shall not be discharged until the responsible licensed practitioner determines that the patient's level of consciousness, oxygenation, ventilation, and circulation are satisfactory for discharge and vital signs have been taken and recorded.

2. Postoperative instructions shall be given verbally and in writing. The written instructions shall include a 24-hour emergency telephone number of the dental practice.

3. Patients shall be discharged with a responsible individual who has been instructed with regard to the patient's care.

18VAC60-20-135. Ancillary personnel.

After June 29, 2006, dentists Dentists who employ ancillary personnel to assist in the administration and monitoring of any form of conscious/moderate sedation or deep sedation/general anesthesia shall maintain documentation that such personnel have:

1. Minimal training resulting in current certification in basic resuscitation techniques, with hands-on airway training for healthcare providers, such as Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health Professionals or an approved, a clinically oriented course devoted primarily to responding to clinical emergencies offered by an approved provider of continuing education as set forth in 18VAC60-20-50 C; or

2. Current certification as a certified anesthesia assistant (CAA) by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons or the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA).