In Michigan, can a dental hygienist administer N2O/O2 sedation without DDS supervision?

In Michigan, dental hygienists are required to have direct supervision from a dentist to administer nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) sedation. This means that a dentist must be present in the treatment facility and must authorize the procedure. Direct supervision ensures that the dentist can immediately intervene if any complications arise during the administration of nitrous oxide, prioritizing patient safety.

The regulations governing the administration of N2O/O2 sedation are put in place to ensure that trained dental professionals are overseeing the use of sedation in a clinical setting. Having a dentist present during such procedures allows for a higher standard of care and immediate support if needed, which is crucial when dealing with sedation in patients.

In contrast, while certain other states may allow more flexibility regarding who can administer N2O/O2, the specific regulations in Michigan emphasize the necessity of dentist supervision, making it clear that a dental hygienist cannot administer this sedation independently.