Nitrous Oxide Monitoring

Course Overview

This hybrid Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Course is designed to prepare the dental auxiliary to become certified to administer and monitor Nitrous Oxide under the direct supervision of their dentist.

The course is intended to provide online didactic information to dental auxiliaries to gain knowledge to understand their responsibility of monitoring the patient when they assist their supervising dentist during the administration of nitrous oxide, as well as provide hands-on instruction and competency testing. This course is approved by the Missouri Dental Board for dental assistants to obtain certification. When successfully completed, the dental assistant will submit a permit application to the Missouri Dental Board.

Before you register for a course and begin your coursework, please read this entire page thoroughly to ensure your understanding of the process and various required course components.

The Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Course includes:

Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Presentation comprised of text, photos, illustrations and videos
Online Written Competency Exam
Skills Standards Evaluation
Hands-On Clinical Course and Competency Testing

Course Objectives

Advantages and disadvantages of Nitrous Oxide for sedation
Contraindictions and Indications
Composition and Equipment, including reducing exposure to and hazards of N2O
Stages and Planes of Nitrous Oxide general analgesia and anesthetic and specific differences to consider with each
How to administer and monitor Nitrous Oxide and cautions to consider

Modules

You are required to progress through the Modules at least once before the clinical course. However, you may review the Modules as many times as you wish so that you are confident about performing the monitoring techniques and skills in the clinical course, where you will be graded for competency. Think of these Modules as your guide for the course. Additionally, Modern Dental Assisting is the official textbook recommended by the MDA EFDA Program for all courses offered, including this Nitrous Oxide Monitoring course.

Online Written Competency Exam

Successful completion of this 30-question exam (with an 80% passing grade) is a prerequisite to attend the hands-on, clinical course. The exam may be taken at any time during your review period, as long as it is successfully completed one week prior to the clinical course.

Skills Standard Evaluation

Skills Standards are provided as part of the online course modules so that students and their doctors are aware of what criteria are used to assess competency as demonstrated at the hands-on clinical course. Students and their doctors are strongly encouraged to review and discuss these Skills Standards to correctly anticipate what must be successfully demonstrated for certification and subsequent permitting.

Hands-On Clinical Course Overview

Students will present on the scheduled date to complete the clinical course portion of the coursework. The clinical course will begin with a short lecture and Q&A session and then students will make their way to the clinic to begin the hands-on training and competency exam. Students will work with a partner in the clinic.

Please Note! Equipment, instruments and materials required will be provided during the clinical course and competency exam. All students should bring your own PPE, including masks, gloves and eye protection.

Competency Testing

By following the routine procedure that meets stated protocols (as defined in the skills standard evaluation), the student will assist with the administration of nitrous oxide analgesia by monitoring the patient’s reactions and recording appropriate information in the patient’s record. During this time, the lead dentist and trainers will help coach the students by leading discussions, giving tips and techniques to improve their skills and guiding them.

Course Cancellations

A fee of $25/per registrant will be charged for all cancellations more than two weeks from the course date. No refunds given less than two weeks prior to the course date. If you must cancel after that date, you may reschedule for the next available course date or transfer registration to another person. No refund or transfer provided to any registrant no-show without prior notification to the MDA.

Course Waiver

All students will need to sign a waiver prior to course participation. Students who are pregnant will not be allowed to have nitrous oxide administered to them during this course. If a student who is pregnant would still like to take the course, they will need to have a doctor’s note allowing the student to administer (only) nitrous oxide for the purpose of training and competency testing.