MINIMAL SEDATION- [See Admin Rules Anesthesia and Sedation Permit Requirements Section 20-02-01-05(2): A minimally depressed level of consciousness, produced by a pharmacological method, that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. Although cognitive function and coordination may be modestly impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. Effective July 1, 2022, a permit authorization is not required for administration of minimal sedation. New administrative rules pertaining to minimal sedation requirements may be found at https://www.ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/20-02-01.pdf (page 8). New rules provide information regarding appropriate sedative record, facilities and equipment requirements, dental staff responsible for patient monitoring, and advertising.
Drug(s) and/or techniques used should carry a margin of safety wide enough never to render unintended loss of consciousness. Further, patients whose only response is reflex withdrawal from repeated painful stimuli would not be considered to be in a state of minimal sedation.
Minimal sedation may be achieved by administration of a drug, either singly or in divided doses, by the enteral route to achieve the desired clinical effect, not to exceed the maximum recommended dose (MRD) in a single appointment. The administration of enteral drugs exceeding the maximum recommended dose during a single appointment is considered to be moderate sedation.
Combining two or more enteral drugs, excluding nitrous oxide, prescribing or administering drugs that are not recommended for unmonitored home use, or administering any parenteral drug constitutes moderte sedation and requires that the dentist must hold a moderate sedation permit.
Administrative Rule Section 20-02-01-05(2) Administration of minimal sedation states that a dentist administering minimal sedation shall maintain basic life support certification.
