NITROUS OXIDE analgesia for dental hygienists/dental assistants in

West Virginia

DEFINITIONS

“Monitoring” means observing the receiving of nitrous oxide analgesia, recognizing adverse reactions or complications, and reporting them to the supervising dentist immediately.

“Approved course” means a course which the Board has approved for the education and training of dental hygienists/dental assistants to monitor nitrous oxide analgesia.

Board” means the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners

“Clock hour” means 50 to 60 minutes of instruction

“Dental Hygienist” means a person licensed by the Board who provides preventative oral health care services to patients in the dental office: Provided, That no occupational title other than dental hygienist may be used to describe this auxiliary.

“Dentist” means an individual licensed by the Board to practice dentistry

“Dental Assistant” means a person qualified by education, training, and experience who aids or assists a dentist in the delivery of patient care in accordance with delegated procedures or who may perform nonclinical duties in the dental office: Provided, That no occupation title other than dental assistant shall by used to describe this auxiliary.

NITROUS OXIDE ANALGESIA PRIVILEGES FOR DENTAL HYGIENISTS AND DENTAL ASSISTANTS

A.     After satisfying the Board’s requirements to visually monitor nitrous analgesia, a dental hygienist/ dental assistant may visually monitor nitrous oxide analgesia under the direct supervision of a dentist.

B.     Competence to monitor nitrous oxide analgesia must be demonstrated by successfully completing a board-approved course consisting of at least 2 hours of didactic instruction and passing an examination with a 75%. The course content must include, but not be limited to:

1. Nitrous oxide administration

2. Pharmacology of nitrous oxide conscious sedation

3. Nitrous oxide armamentarium/equipment including demonstration

4. Reactions and complications

5. Response to possible emergency situations

6. Removal of nitrous oxide

7. Discontinue use of nitrous oxide analgesia

8. Post-operative instruction

C.     The course must be taught:

1.      On location at a dental or dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and/or approved by the Board.

1.        By the faculty of an accredited dental or dental hygiene institution who are trained and actively involved in clinical instruction.

3.      After a written request is submitted to the Board including all course content as specified herein.

All institutions with approved courses shall keep the Board informed prior to any changes in course objectives, and/or content, at the time such changes occur.

The Board at any time may deny or rescind approval of an approved course for failure to meet or continue to meet the criteria for approval of a course.

Courses offered pursuant to this rule are subject to unannounced audits by the Board. Any Board member or designee of the Board shall be provided full access to course materials or the classroom or clinic during instruction.

D.     A dental hygienist/dental assistant who has been trained to administer/monitor nitrous oxide in another State may qualify for nitrous oxide monitoring by presenting written documentation on licensure and training to the Board providing they meet the requirements set forth herein.

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF A DENTAL HYGIENIST/DENTAL ASSISTANT FOR MONITORING OF NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION

Dental hygienists/dental assistants must:

1.      Submit an application to the Board for approval to monitor nitrous oxide.

2.      Provide proof of current certification in health care provider CPR through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. This is a pre-requisite to the nitrous oxide course and proof of passage must be presented to the course instructor before admittance into the class.

3.      Applicants taking out-of-state courses must:

a. Provide course syllabus, name and location of institution, date of course, certificate of completion of a minimum of a 2-hour course.

b. Meet or exceed the basic course requirements set forth for didactic instruction.

c. Take and pass a Board approved written examination with a score of 75% and fulfill all other requirements stated herein.

WV Board of Dental Examiners, PO Box 1447, Crab Orchard, WV  25827                                               Application Fee $25.00