This information includes timely sedation and general anesthesia updates and reminders to help oral health professionals stay informed and aligned with BCCOHP standards for sedation and general anesthesia.
Sedation and General Anesthesia Standards
Sedation and general anesthesia (GA) are high-risk aspects of oral health care. BCCOHP is assessing existing sedation practice standards and gathering information to inform the development of new sedation and general anesthesia standards.
An early consultation to inform the drafting process was conducted in summer 2024. We heard from nearly 800 oral health professionals on their experience of the existing standards.
The existing sedation and GA standards remain in place until new practice standards are developed. The current standards and the feedback from the consultation will be considered in the development of the new standards.
Reminders for safe provision of sedation & general anesthesia services
Dentists must have appropriate training and authorization to provide sedation and general anesthesia services. This includes using the appropriate drugs and techniques as trained in the specific levels and modalities of sedation. Facilities must be well-equipped and staffed to recognize and manage adverse effects and emergencies. If a patient enters a deeper level of sedation than intended, the dentist must immediately halt the procedure and take corrective measures.
Compliance Assessments
Effective May 13, 2025, the self-assessment package required of facility owners has been updated and renamed to: Sedation & General Anesthesia Compliance Assessment (formerly known as Annual Self-Assessment and Initial Self-Assessment). The content of the updated package is similar and replaces the current initial/annual self-assessment requirement going forward.
While facility owners are ultimately responsible for the assessment, they are welcome to work with staff on the submission. Assessment fees for respective sedation levels can be found on BCCOHP Schedule A. For further information related to sedation and general anesthesia assessments, please contact sedation@oralhealthbc.ca.
Reminders of compliance assessment requirements for each level of sedation are below.
Minimal Sedation
Minimal sedation facility owners do not need to complete an assessment. Registrants may provide minimal sedation as long as they are in full compliance with the Minimal and Moderate Sedation Standards & Guidelines and related sedation updates.
Moderate Sedation
Only one completed assessment is required per facility. Moderate sedation facility owners complete one initial assessment and do not need to submit another assessment. You will be notified when subsequent assessments are required.
While assessment is ongoing, registrants may provide moderate sedation services as long as they are in full compliance with the Minimal and Moderate Sedation Standards & Guidelines and related sedation updates, unless directed otherwise.
Coming soon: In-office assessments for moderate sedation facilities will begin late 2025. Further information will be provided in the coming months.
Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia
Deep sedation and general anesthesia facility owners complete annual assessments, but those who have already completed their required assessment for this year do not need to resubmit.
Required Essential Emergency Drugs for Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia Facilities
The current Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia Standards & Guidelines specify one ampoule of Dextrose 50% as an essential emergency drug. The Sedation & Anesthesia Committee confirmed that Dextrose 10% is also acceptable.
New Addition to Recognized Sedation Assistant Training Programs
We have recently added the University of Alberta Sedation Training Assistant Certificate Program (Sedation Assistant Certificate) to the list of recognized sedation assistant training programs.
BCCOHP recognizes the following programs and certificates for certified dental assistants (CDAs) and registered dental hygienists who successfully complete them to assist with moderate sedation:
- Canadian Dental Anaesthesia Assistant Certification (CDAAC)
- Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Anesthesia Assistants Program (OMAAP)
- NEW! University of Alberta Sedation Training Assistant Certificate Program (Sedation Assistant Certificate)
Please note that CDAs and registered dental hygienists who wish to function as sedation assistants or recovery supervisors for deep sedation and/or general anesthesia must have DAANCE or OMAAP.
Questions?
Please contact sedation@oralhealthbc.ca