Nitrous Oxide Conscious Sedation Hands-On Training Course

Course Overview

The course will provide information to meet the Nitrous Oxide/oxygen inhalation conscious sedation. This is a required course for dentists on the rules and regulations for the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to qualify for a sedation/anesthesia permit.

Objectives

At the end of the didactic and clinical sessions, the participant will be able to:

• Define conscious sedation and be aware of the benefits for the patient and dentist
• Understand the psychophysiology of pain, anxiety, and sedation
• Understand the physiology of respiration and of N₂O-O₂ inhalation
• Know the advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications to the use of N₂O in normal and medically compromised patients
• Understand the techniques used to administer N₂O and monitor patients while they receive it
• Recognize the complications that may arise as a result of N₂O administration, and understand the prevention, early detection, and treatment of these complications
• Learn the hazards associated with the use of N₂O and accepted methods used to reduce exposure to an acceptable level in the dental office
• Recognize special problems associated with the use of N₂O in children and know the proper technique for administering it to them
• Discuss nitrous oxide equipment, including tanks, regulators, manifolds and machines
• Understand guidelines for installation and use as issued by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Dental Association
• Recognize the similarities of N₂O sedation and hypnosis, be familiar with the basic concepts of hypnosis and its usefulness as an adjunct to N₂O sedation