Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for DH 232 Winter 2025


Course Number:
DH 232
Course Title:
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Credit Hours:
2
Lecture Hours:
10
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
30

Course Description

Theory and clinical application of nitrous oxide sedation for dental patients as prescribed by the State Dental Practice Acts of Oregon, Washington and California.

Addendum to Course Description

Studentswill learn the theory of sedation in a classroom setting and become familiar with the equipment and sedation process in the laboratory. When laboratory competence is achieved, students will use NO2/O2 sedation in the clinic under supervision.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Students will use nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation for dental hygiene treatment in a safe and effective manner under supervision.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Provide sedation to 4 student partners during scheduled lab time.

  • Name all parts of the sedation unit.

  • Complete all assigned reading

  • Prepare complete assessment reports of each sedation session.

  • Process evaluations must be completed satisfactorily for 1 clinic patients receiving sedation.

  • Complete a comprehensive final.

  • Pass a clinical examination.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Pain and anxiety management

  • Historical considerations

  • Compare and contrast methods of pain management

  • Inhalation sedation technique

  • Armamentarium

  • NO2 interactions with the body.

  • Anatomy and physiology of respiration.

  • Patient assessment

  • Physical properties and pharmacokinetics

  • Abuse issues

  • Biohazards of chronic exposure

  • Future trends.

  • Ethical and legal issues

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

1. Differentiate between general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, local anesthesia and sedation.
2. Define and discuss types of analgesia including those administered orally, rectally, intramuscularly and through inhalation.
3. Discuss the clinical signs of NO2/O2 sedation.
4. Explain the factors which must be consider for patient selection.
5. Describe the pharmacology and physical properties of both nitrous oxide and oxygen.
6. Explain the respiratory and circulatory anatomy and physiology affected by sedation.
7. Identify and describe selected types inhalation equipment and their safety features.
8. Explain and demonstrate sedation technique including pretreatment instructions, preparation of equipment, and technique of administration and monitoring for signs of over-sedation.
9. Discuss possible complication to the patient from NO2/O2 sedation.
10. Explain potential problems and abuses of nitrous oxide affecting those other than the patient.
11. Explain the provisions of the dental practice act which allow dental hygienists to administer NO2/O2 sedation in Oregon.