Nitrous Oxide
A dental hygienist may administer nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia provided the administration of nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia has been delegated by a dentist and the following conditions are met:
- The hygienist has completed Board-approved training;
- The dentist provides direct supervision;
- The dentist has established a written office protocol for taking vital signs, adjusting anesthetic concentrations, and addressing emergency situations that may arise.
A dental hygienist may monitor a patient under nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia provided all of the following requirements are met:
- The hygienist has completed a Board-approved course of training or has received equivalent training while a student in an accredited school of dental hygiene;
- The task has been delegated by a dentist and is performed under the direct supervision of a dentist;
- Any adverse reactions are reported to the supervising dentist immediately; and
- The dentist dismisses the patient following completion of the procedure.