This section highlights the importance of maintaining safety in administering sedation in dental practices. It acknowledges that while dentists have previously maintained a good safety record, the growing variety of drugs and techniques now necessitate more regulation. The law notes that past definitions for sedation levels didn't fully capture the range used in dentistry, where the sedation can vary and sometimes be unpredictable. Therefore, it stresses that those who administer deep sedation or anesthesia must meet specific educational standards, especially when there's a chance of the patient losing consciousness, intended or not. For moderate sedation, where losing consciousness is unlikely, different education standards apply.

This section defines 'moderate sedation' as a state where a person stays awake enough to respond to simple commands or slight touch and doesn't need help to breathe or keep their heart working normally. The drugs used for moderate sedation should be safe enough to prevent the patient from accidentally falling into a deeper, unconscious state. If a patient only moves when something painful happens, they are not considered moderately sedated.

If you have a conscious sedation permit issued before January 1, 2022, you can follow the rules of that permit until it expires. But if you get a new or renewed permit on or after January 1, 2022, you must comply with new rules specified in this article.

This part of the law goes into effect starting January 1, 2022.

If a dentist wants to use moderate sedation for dental work on an outpatient basis, they need a valid dental license and either a general anesthesia or moderate sedation permit. For patients under 13, the dentist needs an extra pediatric endorsement on the sedation permit. The dentist must be in the facility while the patient is sedated. In cases involving young children, there should be two extra staff members present, with the dentist and one staff member having pediatric life support certification. The staff watching the patient should focus on monitoring but can help with short tasks during the procedure. The dentist must also be prepared to handle any deeper sedation that wasn't intended. This rule doesn’t cover other types of anesthesia like local or deep sedation.

If a dentist in California wants to give or order moderate sedation, they need a special permit. To get it, they must apply with proof of having completed 60 hours of training, done 20 sedation cases, and have the required equipment and drugs. If they want to specialize in pediatric sedation, they need additional training and experience, including cases with patients under 13, and certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Special rules apply if they need more experience, allowing them to work under supervision to meet requirements. Records related to these procedures are confidential, and compliance with several operational and supervisory standards is mandatory.

If you have a permit to administer moderate sedation, you need to complete 15 hours of specific training on moderate sedation before you can renew your permit. These hours count towards your overall continuing education requirements set by the board.

Before giving moderate sedation, a healthcare provider must evaluate the patient's physical condition and take their medical history. They must also keep detailed records of this evaluation and the sedation process, following specific rules set by the board.

If you want to get or renew a permit to give moderate sedation in dental settings, the board might require a check-up of both you and your practice. This includes looking at your equipment, staff, and procedures. If you fail the inspection, your permit will be suspended unless you pass a re-inspection within 30 days. Dentists need to pass inspections at least every six years, or they risk losing their permits. New applicants who complete the required course can get a temporary one-year permit before this inspection. If they fail it, the temporary permit ends right away. The board can hire experts for these inspections, but only the board decides on permit issuance and who gets inspected.

This law section states that the fees for applying for or renewing a permit, as well as the fee for onsite inspections, should not be higher than a specific amount outlined in another section. It also mentions the intention for enough staff to be hired to manage this program, ensuring that the fees collected cover the costs of running and enforcing the program.

If a dentist violates the rules in this article, it is considered unprofessional behavior, and they can lose their license or have it suspended. However, if the violation doesn't cause physical harm, probation might be given instead. Any legal actions will follow specific government procedures, and the board can use all its legal powers in these cases.