Reps. Kim Schofield and Viola Davis Applaud Passage of House Bill 1278 to Improve Dental Sedation Permit Efficiency and Expand Access in Rural Communities

ATLANTA - State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) issue the following joint statement in response to the House passage of House Bill 1278, sponsored by State Representative Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), which would improve efficiencies in the issuance of permits for dentists to administer conscious sedation and general anesthesia in the state of Georgia:

"Access to safe, timely dental care is a public health issue. HB 1278 improves the efficiency of the permitting process for qualified dentists seeking authorization to administer conscious sedation and general anesthesia-without compromising patient safety standards.

"For many children, seniors, individuals with disabilities and patients with severe dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is not a luxury-it is a necessity. By modernizing and streamlining the permit review process, this legislation helps ensure patients can receive appropriate care without unnecessary administrative delays.

"Importantly, this bill has meaningful impact for Georgia's rural communities. In many rural areas, there are limited providers authorized to administer sedation or general anesthesia. Delays in permitting can mean families must travel hours for specialized dental procedures. By improving efficiency in the approval process, HB 1278 helps expand provider capacity, reduce travel burdens and strengthen access to care closer to home.

"This legislation maintains Georgia's commitment to rigorous safety oversight, while making the system work better for providers and the families they serve. When government functions more efficiently, patients benefit-especially in underserved and rural communities.

"As legislators committed to health equity, we understand that rural families often face additional barriers to specialty healthcare services. HB 1278 supports a more responsive system so that geography does not determine access to safe dental treatment.

"This is responsible governance in action-reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, while protecting patient safety and improving access statewide. Rural Georgia deserves the same level of care and opportunity as any other community."

HB 1278 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

*Editor's note: Reps. Davis and Schofield have provided a photo included below.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

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