News — Sedation

Some states require separate credentialing for dentists and auxiliary staff for nitrous oxide administration. Typically, dentists are required to have a permit for this. Many states also require dental assistants and hygienists to have a separate certificate to monitor a patient who on N2O.If N2O is used in a dental office, I highly recommend that hygienists and dental assistants obtain their N2O monitoring certification (if required). It affords the dentist the flexibility to step out of the operatory during a procedure. It also eliminates the potential for allegations that an auxiliary practice outside their scope.For auxiliary staff, practicing outside their...

Many states require that Dentists (and even staff members) maintain current BLS, ACLS and/or PALS. Additionally, there are requirements that Dentists have and maintain suitable emergency oxygen and have emergency drugs "as a reasonable Dentist with your training and experience."As a State Board Investigator, I investigated patient deaths and hospitalizations. I saw the real life consequences for Dentists who were not prepared for Medical Emergencies in their practice. Not only do you have the legal and administrative hassles, the worst consequence is that you have to live with yourself. Medical Emergencies are real and being prepared is vital. It starts...