INITIATING AN IV LINE AND PHLEBOTOMY
Findings show that 70% of board-certified pediatric dentists and 40% of general dentists provide some form of sedation, which requires team-based care:
-
Recent trends across the U.S. indicate that team-based regulations and scope of practice rules for dental assistants and dental hygienists are and will continue to expand!
-
To date, 8 states authorize Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants to initiate (insert) an IV line:
-
Georgia
-
Kentucky
-
Minnesota
-
North Dakota
-
Oklahoma
-
Oregon
-
South Dakota
-
Washington State
-
Most states require post licensure education, provided from an accredited organization. Certification Requirements may include:
-
HOURLY REQUIREMENTS
-
STATE BOARD APPROVED COURSE
-
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Sedation Certification may be acquired through:
-
Dental Sedation Assistant Permit Programs
-
The Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Exam:
-
Which is 2 part, 36 hour course
-
-
Or other Board certified courses offered in states authorizing this procedure
Some states are now authorizing dental hygienists and dental assistants that have taken continuing education for certification, to Initiate (insertion) of an IV Line for for patients requiring sedation prior to dental treatment.
Phlebotomy Procedures In the Dental Setting:
Phlebotomy, (also known as venipuncture), the practice of opening veins and removing blood. Recently, the drawing of blood has gained new attention in the dental setting thanks to an innovative procedure called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or PRF platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) therapy.
PRP/ PRF therapy is when a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma blood is re-injected into a wound site. This therapy has been shown to enhance healing and reduce recovery time.
In dentistry, PRP-trained dentists and their staff employ this technique as a way to speed patient recovery in dental procedures which aids wound healing and bone regeneration properties. Bone grafts, implants, sinus lifts, ridge augmentation and the closure of cleft lips are just some of the procedures PRP is helping augment. For dentists and their staff, phlebotomy and PRP therapy are becoming “partner” procedures.
Although drawing blood is a common medical procedure, seldom do dentists receive training at the undergraduate level. Many may only be exposed to it in post graduate residencies or through continuing education. Unlike other medical skills, in many states phlebotomy does not require specialized training and goes largely unregulated which may lead to personnel performing incorrect administration of blood draws and injuries to patients. Even an experienced phlebotomist may sometimes have trouble finding or isolating a vein.
The biggest factor in avoiding phlebotomy complications is getting proper hands-on training in these procedures. Additionally, knowing the anatomy of the arm and how to manage complications should they arise can assist in limiting liability for dental practitioners drawing blood from their patients. To reduce the risk of adverse effects for patients, it is recommended that healthcare workers undertaking phlebotomy be trained in procedures specific to the types of specimen they collect.
In GA, dental hygienists working under the direct supervision of a dentist may perform ALL THE DUTIES THAT ARE USUALLY PERFORMED BY A DENTAL ASSISTANT.
Under BOD Rule 150-9-0, Dental Assistants may be delegated to “Perform phlebotomy and venipuncture procedures after appropriate training is acquired”. During the November, 2014 BOD meeting, the Board determined that “appropriate training” is determined by the Georgia licensed supervising dentist/doctor.