Dentistry: use of sedation: training.

Existing law, the Dental Practice Act, establishes the Dental Board of California within the Department of Consumer Affairs and sets forth its powers and duties relating to the licensure and regulation of dentists. A violation of these provisions is a crime. Existing law, among other things, prescribes requirements for dentists and assisting personnel who administer or order the administration of general anesthesia and deep sedation. Existing law, commencing on January 1, 2022, requires a dentist to possess either a current license in good standing and a general anesthesia permit issued by the board, or another specified permit and a general anesthesia permit issued by the board, in order to administer or order the administration of deep sedation or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis for dental patients. Existing law specifies additional requirements if the patient is under 13 years of age, including that the operating dentist and at least 2 additional personnel be present throughout the procedure and that the dentist and one additional personnel maintain current certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and airway management or other board-approved training, as specified. Existing law authorizes the board to approve training standards for general anesthesia and deep sedation, in lieu of PALS certification, if the training standard is an equivalent or higher level of training for dental anesthesia-related emergencies as compared to PALS. This bill, beginning on July 1, 2023, would require, if the patient is 13 years of age or older, that the operating dentist and at least 2 additional personnel be present throughout the procedure and that the dentist and one additional personnel maintain current certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) . Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime, this bill imposes a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.