Sec. 10.7. (a) A dental hygienist or dental assistant (as defined in IC 25-14-1-1.5(4)) may administer nitrous oxide under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist if the dental hygienist or dental assistant has:
(1) been employed in a dental practice for at least one (1) year or has graduated from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association;
(2) satisfactorily completed a three (3) hour didactic nitrous oxide administration course containing curriculum on pharmacology, biochemistry, anatomy of nitrous oxide administration, emergency procedures, and the mechanics of operating a nitrous unit, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association; and
(3) demonstrated clinical competency on at least five (5) patients under the direct supervision of a licensed Indiana dentist whose license is in good standing.
(b) The licensed Indiana dentist supervising the clinical competency under subsection (a)(3) shall provide to the dental hygienist or dental assistant a signed affidavit certifying the competency.
(c) Upon receipt of the affidavit provided to a dental hygienist or dental assistant under subsection (b), the provider of an educational program or curriculum described in subsection (a)(2) shall issue a certificate of completion to the dental hygienist or dental assistant. The certificate of completion must be publicly displayed in the dental office of the dental hygienist or dental assistant.
(d) Before permitting a dental hygienist or dental assistant to administer nitrous oxide, the supervising dentist shall:
(1) verify that the dental hygienist or dental assistant has completed the requirements of subsection (a);
(2) determine the maximum percent-dosage of nitrous oxide to be administered to the patient; and
(3) ensure that any administration or monitoring of nitrous oxide by dental hygienists or dental assistants is done in accordance with relevant guidelines and standards developed by the American Dental Association or the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
As added by P.L.35-2020, SEC.4.