(a)
- (1) These guidelines are designed to encourage a high level of quality care in the dental office setting.
- (2) It should be recognized that emergency situations may require that these standards be modified based on the judgment of the clinician or clinicians responsible for the delivery of anesthesia care services.
- (3) Changing technology and Arkansas rules or laws may also modify the standards listed herein.
(b)
(1) Before the administration of sedation or general anesthesia, a complete written medical history must be obtained, which shall include previous and current:
- (A) Medications;
- (B) Vital signs;
- (C) Allergies; and
- (D) Sensitivities.
- (2) The recording of appropriate vital signs is required for all levels of sedation.
- (3) The patient's weight should be recorded when appropriate.
- (4) Patients with significant medical considerations (ASA III or IV) may require consultation with their primary care physician or consulting medical specialist as well as written clearance for treatment from that physician.
- (c) During the anesthesia period the oxygenation, ventilation, and circulation of the patient must be continuously evaluated and documented by qualified staff assigned by the dentist.
(d)
- (1) Each licensed dentist administering deep sedation or general anesthesia must provide for training in emergency procedures to his or her qualified staff personnel.
- (2) Emergency preparedness updates or drills for all staff must be held at least annually.
(e)
- (1) A dentist who administers any type of sedation or general anesthesia shall maintain emergency equipment and medications appropriate for patient resuscitation.
(2) That dentist shall be proficient in handling emergencies and complications to include:
- (A) The maintenance of respiration and circulation;
- (B) The immediate establishment of a patent airway; and
- (C) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- (3) The dentist shall maintain appropriate emergency equipment and medications in the dental facility.
- (f) All scheduled medications shall be stored and inventoried in accordance with all applicable state rules and federal regulations.
- (g) The patient must be continuously observed during the anesthesia period either by the dentist or qualified staff.
- (h) Personal supervision is required for monitoring patients under nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia for registered dental assistants holding a current Nitrous Oxide Permit from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners.
- (i) Direct supervision is required for monitoring patients under nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia for dental hygienists holding a current Nitrous Oxide Permit from the board.
(j) Supervision of dental auxiliaries monitoring sedated patients:
- (1) Personal supervision is required for minimal and moderate sedation;
- (2) Operative supervision is required for deep sedation and general anesthesia; and
- (3) Personal supervision is required for qualified staff who continuously monitor post-surgical patients before final evaluation and discharge by the dentist.
- (k) For pediatric sedation, all drugs from Schedule II, III, or IV for sedations must be administered in the dental office.
- (l) No more than two (2) patients age twelve (12) or under may be sedated to a moderate level simultaneously by the same practitioner.