21 NCAC 16O .0402         EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

(a)  A Dental Assistant may aid and assist a licensed dentist in the monitoring of nitrous oxide‑oxygen inhalant sedation by completing a Board‑approved course totaling at least seven hours that covers the following topics:

(1)           definitions and descriptions of physiological and psychological aspects of pain and anxiety;

(2)           the states of drug‑induced central nervous system depression through all levels of consciousness and unconsciousness, with emphasis on the distinction between the conscious and unconscious state;

(3)           respiratory and circulatory physiology, and related anatomy;

(4)           pharmacology of agents used in the nitrous oxide techniques being taught, including drug interaction and incompatibility;

(5)           patient monitoring, with particular attention to vital signs and reflexes related to consciousness;

(6)           prevention, recognition, and management of complications and life threatening situations that may occur during the use of the nitrous oxide techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

(7)           description and use of ventilation sedation equipment; and

(8)           potential health hazards of trace anesthetics, and proposed techniques for elimination of these potential health hazards.

(b)  Courses approved to satisfy the educational requirements of this Rule shall be provided and taught by:

(1)           an instructor who is a dentist holding an unrestricted license as defined by 21 NCAC 16A .0101(7);

(2)           an instructor licensed pursuant to 21 NCAC 16B .0701; or

(3)           a dental hygienist or dental assistant under the direction of an instructor who satisfies the requirements of Subparagraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this Rule, who shall be physically present and administer nitrous oxide if it is administered in the course.

(c)  Courses shall be reviewed at any Board meeting and approved by a majority of the Board to satisfy the educational requirements of this Rule. A list of approved courses is available on the Board's website at www.ncdentalboard.org.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90‑29(b)(6); 90-29(c)(10); 90‑29(c)(13); 90‑48; 90‑223;

Eff. July 16, 1980;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2016; May 1, 1989;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2021.