Which certificate must a dentist hold for a hygienist to monitor patients during sedation?

A dentist must hold a general anesthesia certification to allow a hygienist to monitor patients during sedation. This certification ensures that the dentist is adequately trained in the management of patients under sedation, covering essential aspects such as pharmacology, patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, and emergency management related to sedation procedures. With this certification, the dentist is equipped to ensure the safety of the patient and the proper functioning of the sedation process.

While Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is important for all healthcare providers and is often required, it does not specifically address the complexities of monitoring patients under sedation. Basic dental training and emergency dental certifications do not encompass the advanced skills and knowledge required for sedation and its associated risks, which further underlines why a general anesthesia certification is essential in this context.