Preoperative Evaluation
Effective Feb 28, 2025Mass. Register #1542MGL c. 111, §§ 3, and 51 through 56Department of Public Health
- (A) A physician shall perform a physical examination, review the patient’s medical history, and review the results of pertinent preoperative diagnostic studies prior to surgery.
(B) Prior to the performance of a dental surgical procedure where there is no known medical problem, a dentist may perform a physical examination, review the patient medical history, and review the results of pertinent preoperative diagnostic studies prior to surgery in lieu of a physician upon:
- (1) successful completion of a physical evaluation program or course at an accredited hospital or teaching institution, and
- (2) board certification or eligibility by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery or by the American Board of Pedodontics.
- (C) Each patient undergoing regional or general anesthesia shall have a preoperative evaluation performed by a physician or in the case of patients without medical problems admitted for dental procedures, dentist with anesthesia privileges.