A dental hygienist with a nitrous oxide permit may administer nitrous oxide under which conditions?

• A. Direct on-premises supervision.
• B. General supervision.
• C. Either direct on-premises supervision or working for a dentist who holds a personal nitrous oxide permit.
• D. No supervision required.

Answer: (C)

Nitrous oxide administration by a dental hygienist with a permit is allowed only under supervision, not without it. In Louisiana, there are two valid pathways: the dentist must be directly on the premises supervising the procedure, or the hygienist must be employed by a dentist who holds a personal nitrous oxide permit. The direct-on-site supervision option ensures immediate oversight and patient safety, while the dentist with a personal permit provides the legal authority to supervise nitrous oxide administration in the practice. General supervision alone or no supervision does not meet regulatory requirements. So, the hygienist may administer nitrous oxide either under direct on-premises supervision or while working for a dentist who holds a personal nitrous oxide permit.