Description of Program
In many instances, patients present to dental offices with both pain and anxiety. Dental offices have seen an increase in dentally-related anxiety in patients of all ages. It is often necessary to manage both. Nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation can assist patients with their pain and anxiety and can be administered safely and effectively with minimal concerns.
The Indiana State Board of Dentistry has recently (2020) passed a law allowing dental hygienists and dental assistants to complete training certification in order to administer nitrous oxide under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. This course is designed to prepare dental auxiliary who meet the requirements (see below) to use nitrous oxide safely and confidently in the dental office. The didactic and clinical instruction will give the participant a step-by-step approach for the control of anxiety in the conscious patient.
This program will provide the required didactic (online) and clinical instruction for certification as established by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry. For details please see Indiana State rule IC 25-13-1-10.7
Course Requirements
Participants must be a graduate from a dental assisting or a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (CODA) or have a minimum of one year dental assisting experience.
Program participants must present either proof of program completion or a signed letter from the dentist employer on letterhead with contact information verifying the dental assisting experience requirement.
How it works
The Indiana Statute requires participants to complete a didactic course and to demonstrate clinical competency on at least five (5) patients under the direct supervision of a licensed Indiana dentist whose license is in good standing.
The didactic instruction will be completed online, at your convenience and at your own pace. Once the didactic requirement is fulfilled, each participant must demonstrate clinical competency on a minimum of five (5) patients under the direct observation of their current employer (or a licensed Indiana dentist). A form will be provided for employers to certify competency and completion of required clinical cases. The form must be signed by the employer and submitted to Indiana University School of Dentistry’s Office of Continuing Education. Upon receipt, IUSD will issue a certificate of completion that must be publicly displayed in the dental office. Once the certificate of completion is received, participants will be able to legally administer nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Completion of the lecture is required prior to beginning the clinical competency. A textbook is not required for this program.
Program Objectives
By taking this program, you will learn:
- basic respiratory physiology and biochemistry.
- the pharmacological characteristics and properties of nitrous oxide.
- indications and contraindications for nitrous oxide.
- decision-making processes for selecting the right patient for nitrous oxide.
- characteristics and mechanics of the nitrous oxide/ oxygen delivery unit.
- clinical protocol for the use of nitrous oxide/ oxygen sedation.
- how to recognize the signs and symptoms of proper sedation and over sedation.
- how to respond to medical emergencies.
Continuing Education Units
You will receive 5 CEUs for successful completion of this program. IUSD is an ADA CERP and AGD Accepted Fellowship/Mastership National Sponsor.
Disclosure Statement
In accordance with the ADA CERP Standards for Commercial or Promotional Conflict of Interest, educational programs sponsored by Indiana University School of Dentistry must demonstrate balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor. Speakers are required to disclose any relevant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturers of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services that are discussed in an educational activity. This program has no conflicts of interest to report.
Sponsorship of a continuing education program by Indiana University School of Dentistry does not necessarily imply endorsement of a particular philosophy, procedure, or product by this institution.
Note: While it offers CE credits, this activity is not intended to provide extensive training or advanced certification in the field.
Completion Requirements
- Submit registration and payment.
- Complete online course content with a minimum cumulative average of 75%.
- Demonstrate clinical competency on a minimum of five (5) patients in a dental office under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist and submit a signed form verifying completion.
Tuition
$425
To Register: https://go.iu.edu/4RPV
Registration is open until 6/30/24 then new registration link will be generated.
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