General | Supervision | Renewal and Continuing Education
General
- How do I get certification as a dental anesthesia assistant?
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Chapter 18.350 RCW requires:
An application with fee; and Satisfactory evidence of:- Commission-approved dental anesthesia assistant training course that includes intravenous access or phlebotomy. Training must include experience starting and maintaining intravenous lines. WAC 246-817-205 provides commission-approved training.
- Commission-approved basic life support (BLS) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course.
- Valid general anesthesia permit of oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a dental anesthesiologist.
The application is available on our Certification Information webpage.
- What can a dental anesthesia assistant do?
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Under close supervision, the dental anesthesia assistant may:
- Initiate and discontinue an intravenous line for a patient being prepared to receive intravenous medication, sedation or general anesthesia.
- Adjust the rate of intravenous fluids infusion only to maintain or keep the line patent or open.
Under direct visual supervision, the dental anesthesia assistant may:
- Draw up and prepare medication.
- Follow instructions to deliver medication into an intravenous line upon verbal command.
- Adjust the rate of intravenous fluids infusion beyond a keep-open rate.
- Adjust an electronic device to provide medications, such as an infusion pump.
- Administer emergency medications to a patient in order to assist in an emergency.
- I work for several oral and maxillofacial surgeons or dental anesthesiologists. Do I list all of them on my application?
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Yes, each oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental anesthesiologist general anesthesia permit needs valid verification.
- Do I have to maintain my dental assistant registration?
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Yes, if you provide any identified dental assistant functions listed in WAC 246-817-520. You're not required to be a registered dental assistant to be a certified dental anesthesia assistant.
- What dental tasks can an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental anesthesiologist delegate to certified dental anesthesia assistants?
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State law lists allowable tasks in WAC 246-817-771). Review the dentist delegation chart (PDF) for additional duties by dentists.
Supervision
- What is close supervision?
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Close supervision is defined in RCW 18.260.010 and WAC 246-817-510 as a supervising dentist whose patient is being "treated" who has personally diagnosed the condition to be treated, and who has personally authorized the procedures to be performed.
The supervising dentist is continuously on-site and physically present in the treatment facility while the assistive personnel perform the procedures, and is capable of responding immediately in the event of an emergency. The supervising dentist isn't required to be physically present in the operatory.
- What is direct visual supervision?
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RCW 18.350.010 and WAC 246-817-710 defines visual supervision as "supervision by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental anesthesiologist by verbal command and under direct line of sight."
Renewal and Continuing Education
- Do I have to renew my dental anesthesia assistant certification? If so, when?
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Yes, the certification will be an annual certification and needs renewal on or before the individual's birth date. Continuing education will be required every three years. Visit the continuing education webpage for requirements and regulations.
- Do I have to complete continuing education?
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Yes, visit the continuing education webpage or WAC 246-817-445 for requirements and regulations.
- How much is the application and renewal fee?
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The application fee is $100. Renewal fee is $85 annually. All applicable fees are listed in WAC 246-817-99005.