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By Dr Tim Crofts
The Australian Dental Association of WA (ADAWA), the peak body representing dentists across the state, has long advocated for policies that ensure accessible, safe, and high‑quality oral healthcare. In recent years, ADAWA has constructively engaged with the Government over a proposed licensing regime for private dental clinics that administer intravenous (IV) sedation.
IV sedation is not a one‑size‑fits‑all practice. There are varying degrees, ranging from “deep” sedation to “conscious” or “light” sedation. ADAWA has consistently supported licensing requirements for clinics that provide deep sedation, where the risks are greater and oversight is essential. However, the association does not support extending licensing to clinics that administer conscious sedation, which is already subject to robust professional standards and safeguards.
ADAWA believes the Government shares this view. Indeed, meetings with the Minister for Health’s office and the Licensing and Accreditation Regulatory Unit (LARU), alongside a communique published on the Department of Health’s website, made clear that deep sedation was the intended focus of regulation.
LARU has since confirmed, following instruction from the Minister’s office, that there is a commitment to undertake a comprehensive review of the legislation (Health Services Act 2016), rather than the earlier plan to revise only specific sections of the Act. While a full review could provide clarity and consistency, it also raises questions about whether the scope of regulation will expand unnecessarily, capturing clinics that administer conscious sedation without clear evidence of risk.
While patient safety must always be paramount, ADAWA has not been presented with evidence that conscious sedation poses risks inadequately addressed under current frameworks. Existing measures already include the Dental Board of Australia’s Registration Standard for Conscious Sedation, the Australian Dental Association’s guidelines requiring appropriately trained practitioners, and training standards set by the Australia New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. Together, these safeguards provide a strong foundation for patient welfare.
Introducing licensing for conscious sedation clinics (those not performing deep sedation) would impose heavy administrative and financial burdens on private practices. Substantial capital costs for clinic upgrades could follow, costs that would inevitably flow to patients. At a time when households are already grappling with cost‑of‑living pressures, such changes risk reducing accessibility and affordability of dental care without delivering clear benefits.
Policy should be driven by evidence, not uncertainty. Unless the Government can demonstrate that patient safety is compromised under the current regime, extending licensing to conscious sedation clinics would represent regulation for regulation’s sake. ADAWA is right to call for clarity, transparency, and a commitment to evidence‑based decision‑making.
Dental patients deserve safe care, but they also deserve affordable and timely access. The Government must ensure that its policies strike the right balance—protecting welfare without creating unnecessary barriers to treatment.
