The New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners recently approved regulations restricting OMSs from administering deep sedation or general anesthesia (DS/GA) to patients ages 0-8 without a separate anesthesia provider. OMSs will need special permits to treat patients ages 9 to 12, and new rules limit DS/GA permit holders from administering moderate sedation to those ages 8 and under, requiring single-dose, reversible agents only. Moderate sedation permit holders also face significant restrictions to self-administration in this age group.
Despite efforts by the New Hampshire Society of OMS (NHSOMS) and AAOMS to prevent these restrictions – citing patient access and data-supported alternatives – the Board proceeded with its decision, which AAOMS considers scientifically unfounded. The regulation is now being forwarded to the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and NHSOMS will continue to advocate for changes moving forward if and when the opportunity arises. AAOMS remains committed to advocacy, working with NHSOMS to promote patient safety, uphold OMS practice integrity and explore actions to ensure patient access.
