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:

1. The hygienist has completed Board-approved training;
2. The dentist provides direct supervision;
3. 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:

1. 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;
2. The task has been delegated by a dentist and is performed under the direct supervision of a dentist;
3. Any adverse reactions are reported to the supervising dentist immediately; and
4. The dentist dismisses the patient following completion of the procedure.