PDFWAC 246-817-745
Minimal sedation.
(1) To administer minimal sedation which is limited to a single dose of a single oral agent with or without nitrous oxide, a licensed dentist shall successfully complete a minimum of 16 hours of education and training in one of the following:
(a) Minimal sedation; or
(b) Moderate sedation; or
(c) Advanced education program accredited by the CODA that meets comprehensive and appropriate training necessary to administer and manage minimal sedation; or
(d) Education and training must be consistent with ADA Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students, adopted by ADA House of Delegates October 2016 or prior adopted version in effect at the time training was completed.
(2) A licensed dentist shall:
(a) Evaluate patient considered for minimal sedation prior to the administration of any sedative procedure.
(i) Review of the patient's current medical history and medication use is required for healthy or medically stable individuals with American Society of Anesthesiologists patient classification of I or II.
(ii) Consultation with the patient's primary care physician or consulting medical specialist is required for patients with significant medical considerations whom have American Society of Anesthesiologists patient classification III or IV. If the licensed dentist is unsuccessful in contacting or consulting with the patient's physician or physicians, the licensed dentist shall document the attempt or document the patient has no physician to contact.
(b) Administer oral sedative agents in the treatment setting or prescribe for patient dosage prior to the appointment. Single oral agents must be in a dose that is not to exceed the manufacturer's maximum recommended for home use.
(c) Ensure a second individual is in the office and able to immediately respond to any request from the anesthesia provider administering minimal sedation.
(d) Ensure the patient is continuously observed while in the office under the influence of minimal sedation.
(e) Comply with the recordkeeping, equipment, and emergency medication requirements in WAC 246-817-724.
(f) Ensure any adverse reactions are documented in the patient record.
(g) If a patient unintentionally enters into a moderate level of sedation, ensure the patient is returned to a level of minimal sedation as quickly as possible. While returning the patient to the minimal sedation level, periodic monitoring of pulse, respiration, and blood pressure must be maintained. In such cases, these same parameters must be taken and recorded at appropriate intervals throughout the procedure and vital signs and level of consciousness must be recorded during the sedation and prior to dismissal of the patient.
(3) A licensed dentist shall document in the patient record all agents administered, time administered, and dosage for minimal sedation.
(4) A licensed dentist who administers minimal sedation shall complete seven hours of continuing education every five years as required in WAC 246-817-773.
(5) A licensed dentist who administers minimal sedation must hold a current and valid BLS certification.
(6) A permit of authorization is not required.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.32.0365 and 18.32.640. WSR 24-01-033, § 246-817-745, filed 12/11/23, effective 1/11/24; WSR 16-06-106, § 246-817-745, filed 3/1/16, effective 4/1/16; WSR 09-04-042, § 246-817-745, filed 1/30/09, effective 3/2/09.]