Jurisprudence
Tennessee Statutes (also called the code or laws) Statutes are laws passed by the legislature The legislature l may be lobbied (persuaded) d) to pass a statute. Ifth the statute t t has to do with dentistry, t the law does not go into effect until the Board of Dentistry writes the rules and regulations that guide the law.
Nitrous Administration Code 63 5 108 (d ) practice of dentistry defined Notwithstanding any provision of the law to the contrary, a dental hygienist may administer nitrous oxide analgesia if directed by a dentist to do so, in accordance with rules and regulations of the Board of Dentistry, under which direct supervision of a licensed and registered dentist. Patients who have been administered nitrous oxide shall hllbe monitored appropriately. itl
Board of Dentistry Rules and Regulations The Board of Dentistry is empowered by the legislature to interpret thestatutes and make rules and regulations that direct the statutes The Board of Dentistry also determines if the rules and regulations have been violated
rule 0460 3.6 NitrousOxide Certification. Licensed dental hygienists may administer and/or monitor nitrous oxide upon issuance of certification after successful completion of a Boardapproved Nitrous Oxide Certification Course and in compliance with T.C.A. 63 5 108(d) and this rule. To become certified, the licensed dental hygienist must complete and abide by the following process and rules:
rule 0460 3.6 (1)(a) Application and Qualifications for Certification Licensed dental hygienists in good standing with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry are eligible to take the Board approved nitrous oxide certification course.
rule 0460 3.6 (2) (a) A licensed dental hygienist who, on the effective date of this rule, possesses a certificate to monitor shall not begin to administer nitrous oxide unless and until the licensed dental hygienist has completed a Board approved administration and monitoring certification course and has received certification issued by the board
rule 0460 3.6 (2) (c) Licensed dental hygienists who possess a certification in administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide shall prominently display, at their place of employment, the current renewal certificate, which is received upon licensure and renewal.
rule 0460 3.6 (32) (d) Duly licensed dental hygienists with nitrous oxide administration certification may administer nitrous oxide only under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
rule 0460 3.6 (2) (e) A licensed dental hygienist may not administer and monitor nitrous oxide to more than one (1) patient at a time and must physically remain in the operatory at all times with the patient.
Rule 0460 2.07 (4) b) An authorized person must constantly monitor each patient receiving nitrous oxide. In addition to dentists, any licensed dental hygienist or registered dental assistant who has complied with rules 0460 3.06 or 0460 4.05 is an authorized person and may monitor patients who are receiving nitrous oxide.
rule 0460 2.07 (4) c) Monitoring patients receiving nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia as an adjunct to dental or to dental hygiene procedures consists of continuous direct clinical observation of the patient and begins after the dentist or dental hygienist has initiated the analgesia. The dentist must be notified of any change in the patient which might indicate an adverse effect on the patient. Those certified in nitrous oxide monitoring may terminate the administration of nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia.
Rule 0460 2.07 (4) d) All equipment for the administration of nitrous oxide must be designed specifically to guarantee that an oxygen concentration of no less than twenty five (25%) can be administered to the patient.
Rule 0460 2.07 (4) (e) All equipment for the administration of nitrous oxide must be equipped with a scavenger system.