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Dental Board denies renewal of moderate-sedation permit after two failed on-site evaluations
Summary
The Dental Board of California denied renewal of a moderate sedation permit for a permit holder identified by initials EP after two failed on-site inspections and evaluations; the board set remedial education and re-evaluation requirements for any future application.
At its May 14, 2025 meeting, the Dental Board of California voted to deny renewal of a moderate sedation permit for a permit holder identified in the meeting materials by the initials EP after the permit holder failed two separate on-site inspections and evaluations.
Jessica Olney, the board’s anesthesia unit manager, explained that holders of moderate sedation permits must pass an initial on-site inspection and then be re-evaluated every six years. When a permit holder fails an on-site inspection, they must be re-evaluated and pass within 30 days or face suspension. The anesthesia committee reviewed the record after EP failed multiple evaluations.
Alan Felsenfeld, chairing the anesthesia committee for this item, moved to deny renewal of EP’s moderate sedation permit. The motion — which was seconded by the committee’s other member (name not specified on the record) — specified that if EP seeks to apply for a new moderate sedation permit in the future, EP must, prior to applying, successfully complete 24 hours of remedial education in administration of moderate sedation (including recognition and management of medical emergencies in outpatient dental settings) and submit to and pass an on-site inspection and evaluation.
Felsenfeld described the board’s concern as centered on the applicant’s performance in simulated emergency scenarios and the candidate’s ability to recognize and manage medical emergencies. “Most important of all to me … is, when a patient does have a problem, how do you deal with that?” Felsenfeld said. Bruce Witcher, an on-site evaluator who spoke during public comment, said simulated-emergency performance is a common reason for failures and noted the remedial path established under current rules.
The board conducted a roll-call vote and the motion to deny renewal passed. The action places conditions on any future application by this permit holder: completion of 24 hours of specified remedial education and a passing on-site inspection and evaluation before a new permit may be awarded.
