Indiana House Bill HB1110

Indiana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Dental anesthesia.

Impact

The passage of HB 1110 could significantly modify the landscape of dental procedures in Indiana by ensuring that dentists with appropriate training and permits can use anesthesia more freely during treatments. This change is expected to streamline the process by which dental professionals administer these sedation techniques, potentially reducing administrative burden and fostering more efficient patient care. By aligning the practice of dentistry more closely with the competencies of practicing dentists, the bill could increase access to necessary dental treatments for patients requiring sedation.

Summary

House Bill 1110 addresses the administration of dental anesthesia in Indiana. The bill outlines that existing rules concerning the standards for office-based procedures which require moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia do not apply in a dental office setting if the dentist possesses a permit from the state board of dentistry to administer such anesthesia. This measure aims to clarify the requirements under which anesthesia may be administered in dental practice, ensuring that qualified dentists can perform these procedures without adhering to unnecessary regulations intended for other medical fields.

Contention

However, the bill may not be without contention. Concerns could arise from other medical professionals regarding the safety and training standards necessary for administering anesthesia in a dental setting. While the bill supports dental autonomy, some may argue that it could lead to risks if proper oversight and training requirements are not maintained. Moreover, the ability for dentists to use anesthesia without stringent protocols could provoke discussions about patient safety and the responsibilities of dental practitioners.