Committee backs HB 470 to preserve office‑based anesthesia by dental surgeons after proposed stricter rules

Representative Jim Kofalt told the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee that House Bill 470 is intended to protect access to care by preserving the current scope of practice that allows qualified dental professionals — particularly oral and maxillofacial surgeons — to administer moderate and deep sedation in office settings under nationally recognized standards.

"This bill is intended to address some serious concerns about access to care, patient safety, and health care costs," Kofalt said in his opening remarks.

Why it matters

The Board of Dental Examiners had proposed restrictive rule language (DEN 304) that would have required a separate anesthesia provider for certain cases and imposed stricter conditions on office‑based anesthesia. Witnesses told the committee those proposed changes could force many cases into hospital operating rooms, increase costs, lengthen wait times and reduce access — particularly for pediatric patients and people with developmental disabilities who may not tolerate hospital care.

What witnesses said

Oral surgeons and general dentists described their training and oversight. Dr. Salman Malik, an oral surgeon, said his practice performs roughly 400 anesthesia cases a year; he noted residency training, board certification and hospital experience that underlie surgeons’ ability to safely administer anesthesia in office settings.

General dentist Laurie Rosado described a typical emergency workflow: a child who arrives swollen and infected is evaluated by a general dentist, referred to an oral surgeon and often treated in a few hours in an office setting. She said restricting office‑based anesthesia would unnecessarily push many patients to hospital care and drive up costs.

The OPLC testified it had no position but provided staff and counsel to answer questions.

Committee action

At executive session the committee voted on HB 470. A motion that the bill "ought to pass" carried in roll call with the committee tally recorded as 15 yes, 0 no. The motion included direction that the bill be placed on consent for the full committee report.

Ending

Supporters said the bill would preserve patient access and align New Hampshire with national standards for dental anesthesia. The committee’s positive report advances HB 470 to the next stage in the legislative process.