Dental anesthesia guidelines and regulations of US states and major professional organizations: A review Review


Authors: Simon, N. B.; Barnett, K. M.; Sweitzer, B.; Gates, N.; Yun, S.; Kim, K.; Marcinkowski, B.; Hendrix, J. M.
Review Title: Dental anesthesia guidelines and regulations of US states and major professional organizations: A review
Abstract: This summary reviews guidelines and regulations pertaining to dental anesthesia across the United States, including guidelines of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). The analysis addresses a range of requirements, including definitions of anesthesia and requirements for training and certification across professional societies and the 50 US states, with a focus on office-based settings. Strikingly, substantial variation exists among state rules and regulations and the ADA, AAOMS, and ASA guidelines with implications for variations of care, outcomes, and patient safety. We examined definitions of sedation and general anesthesia, patient selection and evaluation, fasting requirements, emergency preparedness, drug administration, monitoring, equipment, procedure selection, education and training requirements, permit requirements, life support certifications, reporting of adverse events, and inspection requirements. This comprehensive analysis serves to educate dental practitioners and office staff, patients, primary care providers, and state dental boards about the regulatory landscape of dental anesthesia. Our findings establish a foundation for future research and policy development aimed at improving consistency, best practices, and safety in dental anesthesia practices. © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
Keywords: united states; practice guideline; patient safety; practice guidelines as topic; procedures; dental anesthesia; humans; human; dental sedation; societal guidelines; anesthesia, dental
Journal Title: Journal of Patient Safety
Volume: 21
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1549-8417
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 2025-06-01
Start Page: 258
End Page: 281
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001320
PUBMED: 39907485
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC12207547
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged in the PubMed record and PDF. Corresponding MSK author is Kara M. Barnett -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Kara Michelle Barnett
    16 Barnett