Who supervises the administration of nitrous-oxide oxygen during a dental procedure?

The administration of nitrous oxide-oxygen during a dental procedure is typically performed by dental assistants under the supervision of a licensed dentist. This is in accordance with regulations that define the scope of practice for dental assistants and their ability to perform certain tasks related to patient care and sedation.

In a clinical setting, while the dentist is ultimately responsible for the patient's safety and the procedure being performed, the dental assistant may be trained to administer nitrous oxide as part of their duties, demonstrating foundational knowledge of sedation protocols and monitoring. The supervision ensures that the dentist can guide the setup and adjustment of sedation levels, ensuring patient safety throughout the process.

The patient’s guardian is not qualified to supervise or provide such administration due to the lack of requisite training and expertise in dental procedures. Just as the registered dental hygienist does have a role in patient care, their practice does not typically include the administration of nitrous oxide without specific training and under certain conditions as controlled by dental and state laws. Hence, in this context, the dental assistant's role is designed to assist effectively under proper supervision.