Under what supervision can dental hygienists with a nitrous oxide permit administer nitrous oxide?

• A. Only under the direct on-premises supervision of a dentist.
• B. Only when working for a dentist who holds a personal nitrous oxide permit.
• C. Either under direct on-premises supervision or when working for a dentist who holds a personal nitrous oxide permit.
• D. No supervision is required.

Answer: (C)

Nitrous oxide administration by dental hygienists requires supervision, and Louisiana allows two ways this supervision can be provided. The first is direct on-premises supervision, where a dentist is physically present and oversee the procedure. The second is when the hygienist is working for a dentist who holds a personal nitrous oxide permit, which authorizes that dentist to supervise the nitrous oxide administration for the hygienist. This gives flexibility for different practice setups: either the dentist is on-site and supervising directly, or a dentist with the permit oversees the process even if not present in the same room, within the permit’s terms. The other options either limit supervision to one scenario or say no supervision is required, which isn’t consistent with the permit rules.