Ace the California RDH Law & Ethics Exam 2026 – Smile Bright and Rule Right!

Dental hygienists are indeed permitted to administer nitrous oxide, but this is contingent upon them possessing the appropriate training and certification. In California, as part of their scope of practice, dental hygienists can utilize nitrous oxide for the purpose of managing patient anxiety and providing comfort during dental procedures, provided they have successfully completed a Board-approved training program that covers the pharmacology of nitrous oxide and its administration. This ensures that they understand how to safely and effectively use nitrous oxide, manage its effects, and recognize any adverse reactions that may arise.

The requirement for training and certification is crucial because nitrous oxide, while widely used and effective, requires knowledge of dosage, patient monitoring, and emergency protocols. Therefore, the ability to administer nitrous oxide aligns with the expertise that dental hygienists can gain through the necessary educational pathways, maintaining patient safety as a priority.