Bill
SD 101
Overview: Bill Number: SD 101, Title: An Act enabling registered dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, Status: House concurred, Introduced: February 27, 2025, Classificati
Overview: Bill Number: SD 101, Title: An Act enabling registered dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, Status: House concurred, Introduced: February 27, 2025, Classification: proposed bill
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to expand the scope of practice for registered dental hygienists by allowing them to administer nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," to patients during dental procedures. The intent is to improve patient access to this common pain management and anxiety-reducing technique, particularly in areas with limited dental provider availability.
Key Provisions:
- Authorizes registered dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide to patients, provided they have received appropriate training and certification.
- Establishes guidelines for the safe and effective administration of nitrous oxide by dental hygienists, including requirements for supervision by a licensed dentist.
- Mandates the development of training and certification programs for dental hygienists to ensure competency in nitrous oxide administration.
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Registered dental hygienists, who will have an expanded scope of practice and the ability to provide additional services to patients.
- Dental patients, who may experience improved access to nitrous oxide for pain management and anxiety relief during dental procedures.
- Dentists, who will be able to delegate certain nitrous oxide administration tasks to trained and certified dental hygienists, potentially improving practice efficiency.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has passed the House and is currently awaiting concurrence in the Senate. If approved, the new regulations for dental hygienist-administered nitrous oxide would take effect within 6 months of the bill's enactment.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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