Most WDA members are, hopefully, aware that we keep a very close eye on the activities of the Dentistry Examining Board, the body in charge of licensing, discipline, and rulemaking for all dentists and hygienists in Wisconsin. Because the state administrative rules process is bureaucratic and slow, some of these adjustments can take years.
In particular, recent proposed changes to the anesthesia guidelines have created some conversation. These changes happen every so often, as the board periodically reviews the rules to get rid of obsolete provisions and make sure they comport with current practice. After nearly two years of discussion, an ad-hoc committee comprised of three of the dentists on the board (including an oral surgeon) presented changes to the rules that will include getting rid of the Class I permit. A Class I permit covers minimal sedation, and will no longer be considered necessary, because it is simply part of the scope of any licensed dentist in Wisconsin.
At its November meeting, the Dentistry Examining Board heard comments from concerned dentists and members of the public regarding other proposed changes. Taking those into account, the board settled on a compromise in order to preserve the current format of being able to provide oral conscious sedation (OCS) without undergoing IV sedation training.
The Class II permit will be split in two: Class IIE, and Class IIP, for enteral and parenteral.Those wishing only to do OCS can obtain a Class IIE by fulfilling the current 18 hour didactic requirements, 20 clinical cases in group observation, or a graduate training program.
A Class IIP permit for IV sedation will still use the current 60 hours plus 20 clinical cases or appropriate graduate level training.
So, if you currently hold a sedation permit, what does this mean for you?
- If you currently hold a Class I: You will be automatically grandfathered into receiving a Class IIE permit.
- If you currently hold a Class II: You will be automatically grandfathered into receiving a Class IIP
- If you currently hold a Class III for general anesthesia: No change.
Again, these changes are not yet final. More information will be sent out to members before any new rules go into effect.
