Which dental professional is responsible for monitoring patients under nitrous oxide sedation?

The role of monitoring patients under nitrous oxide sedation is essential for ensuring patient safety and effective procedural management. In this context, dental hygienists under general supervision are entrusted with this responsibility. General supervision means that the dentist must authorize the procedures, but the hygienist can perform their duties without the dentist being present on-site.

This setup allows dental hygienists, who are trained in the use of nitrous oxide, to monitor the patient's vital signs, comfort levels, and overall response to sedation. Their training ensures that they can recognize any adverse reactions or complications while maintaining patient care standards.

In contrast, the other options provide a more limited scope of practice. While dentists are highly qualified to monitor sedation, it is not exclusively their responsibility. Dental hygienists working only under indirect supervision or being restricted in their duties would not be able to carry out monitoring effectively, as they might lack the autonomy to make immediate decisions regarding patient care during sedation. Thus, the inclusion of dental hygienists under general supervision highlights their critical role in the sedation process within the dental team.