The petitioners' proposal is unncessary and burdensome. Let me share my thoughts:
First, the Board of Dentistry recently approved new regulations for dentists who provide conscious
sedation, making Virginia's requirements among the most restrictive in the US.
Second, a large majority of dentists who practice in Virginia use only local anesthesia in their practice,
and there have been no reports of deaths due to local anesthesia in the dental office.
Third, all dentists are now required to be trained in CPR as a condition of their license. Adding this
burdensome requirement will have the unintended consequence of suspension or loss of license for
many competent doctors, if they fail to meet the bureaucratic standard.
I would urge the Board of Dentistry to reject the petitioners' proposal.