Virginia Law

A. No dentist may provide or administer moderate sedation in a dental office unless the office has been inspected and the dentist has been issued a permit by the board. An inspection and permit is required for each location at which sedation will be administered.

B. Automatic qualification. Dentists who hold a current permit to administer deep sedation and general anesthesia may administer moderate sedation.

C. To determine eligibility for a moderate sedation permit, a dentist shall submit the following:

1. A completed application form;

2. The application fee as specified in 18VAC60-21-40;

3. An official transcript, certifiable evidence of certification, or other documentation of training content that meets the educational and training qualifications as specified in subsection D of this section; and

4. A copy of current certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) or pediatric advanced life support (PALS) as required in subsection E of this section.

D. Education requirements for a permit to administer moderate sedation. A dentist may be issued a moderate sedation permit to administer by any method by meeting one of the following criteria:

1. Completion of training for this treatment modality according to the ADA's Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students in effect at the time the training occurred, while enrolled in an accredited dental program, or while enrolled in a post-doctoral university or teaching hospital program; or

2. Completion of a continuing education course that meets the requirements of 18VAC60-21-250 and consists of (i) 60 hours of didactic instruction plus the management of at least 20 patients per participant, (ii) demonstration of competency and clinical experience in moderate sedation, and (iii) management of a compromised airway. The course content shall be consistent with the ADA's Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students in effect at the time the training occurred.

E. Additional training required. Dentists who administer moderate sedation shall:

1. Hold current certification in advanced resuscitation techniques with hands-on simulated airway and megacode training for health care providers, such as ACLS or PALS, as evidenced by a certificate of completion posted with the dental license; and

2. Have current training in the use and maintenance of the equipment required in 18VAC60-21-291.