June 28, 2016
Effective July 1, all dentists with moderate sedation or deep sedation/general anesthesia permits must use an end-tidal carbon dioxide monitor (capnograph) for all patients administered moderate sedation or deep sedation/general anesthesia.
The Colorado Dental Board approved this policy change in April 2015, citing an increased ability to monitor sedated patients and improved patient safety. During the rulemaking process, a number of Colorado dentists testified against the change given the cost of equipment and lack of scientific evidence showing efficacy and increased safety. In adopting the capnography requirement, the Colorado Dental Board allowed an extra year before the requirement took effect to allow offices time to purchase equipment and adjust practice protocols.
Initial information about this change can be found in the May 2015 eNews and Summer 2015 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association.