General Anesthesia and Deep Sedation

Requirements  |  Site Evaluations  |  Renewal of Permit  |  Use of Other Qualified Anesthesia Provider  

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia

"Deep sedation" means a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

Before administering deep sedation or general anesthesia, a dentist licensed under North Dakota Century Code chapter 43-28 must have a permit issued by the Board, renewable biennially thereafter.  An applicant for an initial permit must submit a completed application and application fee and meet the requirements of application.  

 

CRNAs and Dental Office Sedation

A dentist holding a deep sedation permit may sedate their own patients, or may utilize the services of a qualified anesthesia provider.  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) registered with the North Dakota Board of Nursing, anesthesiologists licensed by the North Dakota Board of Medicine, or another dentist licensed in North Dakota holding an anesthesia permit may serve as qualified anesthesia providers. The dentist shall notify the Board prior to sedation services being provided, and arrange a site evaluation with a Board-approved site evaluator.  Dental offices treating sedated patients must carefully and thoroughly review the laws related to anesthesia, including review of NDAC 20-02-01-05, and be prepared with appropriately trained staff and have requisite equipment to manage emergencies or adverse events.

Deep Sedation Education Requirements

  • Current certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support is required for dentists treating sedated patients ten years of age and older, and Pediatric Advanced LIfe Support is required for dentists treating sedated patients nine years of age and younger.
  • Current certification in Basic Life Support.  
  • The criteria to qualify for a deep sedation/general anesthesia permit are found at NDAC 20-02-01-05(4).

Site Evaluations

  • For information about Site Evaluations, proceed to the "Anesthesia Overview" tab of this website.

Renewal of Permit

  • The sedation/anesthesia permit must be renewed biennially, concurrent with the dentist’s license renewal. Continuing education required for renewal of a sedation permit are found at NDAC 20-02-01-06
  • If the permit is not renewed by December 31st of each odd-numbered year, it expires. Once a permit has expired, sedation privileges are suspended. The licensee must either late-renew or reapply for a permit. 
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