Trends in Dental Sedation Permits in Select U.S. States, 2015–2023

Background Sedation is used in dentistry to manage anxiety, facilitate treatment and improve patient comfort during invasive procedures. While it can enhance acceptance of care, variations in state regulations and training requirements influence workforce distribution. This study examines trends in dentists holding active sedation and general anesthesia permits in select U.S. states from 2015 to 2023.Methods Data were requested from all U.S. dental boards, through direct requests, public records, and formal applications. States providing complete annual permit data for at least five years between 2015 and 2023 were included. Sedation permits were categorized as minimal, moderate, and deep sedation/general anesthesia. Trends were analyzed based on annual permit prevalence among licensed dentists and per 100,000 state population.Results Four states provided data on minimal sedation, 11 on moderate sedation, and 10 on deep sedation/general anesthesia. Minimal sedation permits increased in Colorado (5.29% to 9.26%) and Texas (33.55% to 41.62%) from 2015 to 2023, while West Virginia saw a decline. Moderate sedation permits rose in Texas (15.25% to 21.17%) but declined in Maine, Ohio and California. Deep sedation/general anesthesia permits increased in California (2.19% to 3.16%) but decreased in Maine and New Hampshire.Conclusions Understanding patterns of sedation permits held by dentists is crucial for balancing patient access with provider competency. Future research should explore policy interventions optimizing workforce distribution and sedation training.