A registered dental assistant registered with the Board as an RDA may be authorized to monitor nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation under the direct supervision of a dentist. To utilize the expanded duty an RDA must show proof of training which can be obtained through any one of the following methods:
Successful completion of a Board approved dental assisting program.
A Board approved continuing education course.
Individual training provided by a ND licensed dentist, or
The RDA provides proof of a credential issued by another state for the monitoring of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation and the training was substantially equivalent to ND requirements.
An RDA who submits proof of education and training will receive an endorsement on the registration card which provides verification of board approved training. If you have received and submitted proof of training/education, and the endorsement for monitoring nitrous oxide/oxygen is not seen on the registration card, please notify the Board.
Board Approved Course - Nitrous Oxide Sedation Monitoring
A dentist who induces a patient into a state of relative analgesia using nitrous oxide shall ensure that the patient will be continually and personally monitored by a dentist.
A dentist may delegate the monitoring tasks to a licensed dental hygienist or a registered dental assistant utilizing indirect supervision only after the patient has been stabilized at the desired level by the action of the dentist. The dental hygienist or registered dental assistant who is assigned the monitoring task shall remain in the treatment room with the patient at all times.
The dentist must provide and document training for the dental hygienist or registered dental assistant in the proper and safe operation of the analgesia machine being used prior to monitoring the patient. Training shall include emergency procedures to be employed if required. Click on link below or copy and past Rutgers website for recommended course: https://techfinder.rutgers.edu/tech/Nitrous_Oxide_Sedation_for_the_Dental_Team_(Video_and_DVD)
A dental hygienist or a registered dental assistant may terminate or reduce the amount of nitrous oxide previously initiated and administered by a dentist, dental hygienist or registered dental assistant.
