The Brief
- SB 6138 would mandate a “multi-provider system” for deep sedation in dental offices, requiring a separate professional to monitor the patient while the dentist performs the procedure.
- Sponsor Sen. Jeff Holy introduced the bill following three recent dental office deaths, arguing that current practices lack the safety standards found in surgical wards.
- Opponents, including oral surgeons and dentists, argue the mandate is an unnecessary response to rare incidents that would drastically increase patient costs and delay access to care.
SEATTLE – A proposal in Olympia would elevate industry regulations and guidelines to state law when it comes to all deep sedation procedures in dental offices.
It’s a move supporters say could provide clarity and potentially prevent deaths, but opponents argue it’s unnecessary, costly and limits access.
Senate Bill 6138, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, would mandate a “multi-provider system” whenever deep sedation is administered in a dental office. Deep sedation refers to a state in which a patient can breathe on their own but is on the verge of unconsciousness.
Dental work while sedated
Dig deeper:…