This course will focus on preparing the dental professional for the safe, effective administration of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation for dental hygiene practice. Included in this course are content areas in physiology, pharmacology and emergency procedures as they relate to nitrous oxide. The course will be presented by lecture & lab/clinical experience. The laboratory sessions are designed to develop actual experiences in the administration of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation. In the clinical sessions, students will be administering nitrous oxide/oxygen to fellow students.
Course Objectives for Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia:
1. Explain the Minnesota Board of Dentistry rules regarding nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia.
2. Explain how to utilize oxide inhalation analgesia for anxiety and pain management.
3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of nitrous oxide-oxygen administration.
4. Identify the stages of anesthesia.
5. Describe the pharmacology/chemistry/physiology of nitrous oxide.
6. List the indications and contraindications to nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia administration.
7. Assemble a nitrous oxide unit.
8. Explain the administration technique of nitrous oxide-oxygen use.
9. Identify the safety factors associated with nitrous oxide-oxygen equipment.
10. Document nitrous oxide-oxygen use.
11. Utilize infection control as it relates to nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation analgesia.
12. Assess the management of medical complications associated with nitrous oxide-oxygen use.
13. Describe environmental hygiene as it relates to nitrous oxide use.
14. Identify past history associated with nitrous oxide use.
15. Describe the anatomy of the respiratory system.
16. List the characteristics of nitrous oxide.
17. Evaluate signs and symptoms of nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation.
18. Describe what is meant by positive pressure technique.
19. Explain nitrous oxide abuse/chemical dependency.
20. Explain the need for liability insurance as it relates to nitrous oxide-oxygen administration and local anesthesia.
