Will a dentist ever give someone general anesthesia?

Dentists: General anesthesia require special training. Dentists do not have this training and hence will not be able to provide general anesthesia.

Shouldn't need it: A dentist really should not need general but some specialist may such as oral surgeons and pediatrics but you may mean concious/iv sedation where you are still "out" which can be done in office for people that have high stress and anxiety.

Also: General anesthesia may be provided by an anesthesiologist for some pediatric dental cases and for complex oral surgery in adults.

A few will: There is a very small group of specialists called dental anesthesiologists who are recognized by a few states. They will provide true general anesthesia. More commonly, IV or conscious sedation will be provided by a dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist who has had proper training, or by a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist.

Sometimes: In cases where there is going to be extensive operations than the dentist might want to use some form of general anesthesia. Talk to your dentist about your concerns.