Nitrous Administration 
by the Tennessee
Dental Hygienist

  • Hybrid

    This course includes online lessons to be completed prior to the hands-on clinical portion of the course.

  • CE

    This course provides 14 hours of continuing education credit.

  • Board Approved

    This course is approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to meet the Nitrous Administration certification requirements for Registered Dental Hygienists.

    • Course Fee

      $400
    Come Learn With Us!

    Choose Your Class

    This course includes online lessons to be completed prior to the hands-on clinical portion of the course. View our current course offerings and select the clinical date and location that works for you!

    There are limited seats available for each class. You can view the number of available seats on the checkout page. 

    You must be logged in to your existing account or create an account to enroll.

    Chattanooga Area

    Friday
    October 10, 2025
    • Time: 
      9:00 AM EDT
    • Instructor: 
      Jessica McFarlin,
      CDA, RDH, MHL
    • Location: 
      8190 E Brainerd Rd
      Chattanooga, TN 37421
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    Waiting List

    Don't see a date that works for your schedule?

    Additional classes will be available soon. Keep watch, or place your name on the waiting list and we will contact you as soon new dates are open for enrollment.

    More Dates Coming Soon!

    Sorry, all of our Nitrous Administration classes are full at this time. Additional classes will be available soon. Keep watch, or place your name on the waiting list and we will contact you as soon as new dates are open for enrollment.

    Private Course Inquiry

    Does your office have multiple hygienists that need to enroll in this course?

    Do you have a team of five or more dental hygienists who need Nitrous Oxide Administration certification? We offer private courses tailored to your office’s schedule and needs!

    With our private course option, your team can:
    • Train together in a familiar setting
    • Choose a schedule that works best for your office
    • Receive the same high-quality instruction as our regularly scheduled courses
    Don't have five hygienists?
    No problem! You can still host a course at your office by opening it up to other local professionals. We’ll help promote the session and manage enrollment so you can still enjoy the convenience of on-site training.

    Host a private course!

    To learn more or to schedule a private course, complete the form below. We'll be in touch!

    Frequently asked questions

    Is this course approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry?

    Yes! You will receive 14 hours of continuing education credit when you take this course.

    Do I need to be registered as a dental hygienist in the state of Tennessee to take this course?

    Yes, you must be registered and have a valid registration number. 

    Do I need to contact the Board of Dentistry?

    YES! The form you must send to the Board is available after you complete the course.

    How is the course organized?

    The course has a didactic portion and a clinical portion. The didactic portion of the course is divided into topics with each topic containing multimedia presentations and practice tests. In addition, there will be learning activities that should be performed in the office to help you master the material.

    What materials do I need to bring to the clinical portion of the course?

    • PPE such as gown/jacket for clinic
    • Disposable or autoclavable nasal hood
    • Pen and paper to take notes

    Do I need to bring a patient to the clinical portion?

    No, you do not need to bring a patient. We will be practicing on each other. However, if you have a condition that prevents you from receiving nitrous oxide, contact your instructor for guidance.

    Where will the clinical portion be held?

    The clinical portion is held in different locations across the state. The dates and locations are posted above. 

    What type of computer equipment will I need?

    Any computer with an internet connection will be adequate for this course, but a high speed internet connection for your computer is highly desirable.

    How much does the course cost?

    The fee for the course is $400.

    How do I pay for the course?

    Payment is easy. Clicking the "Enroll" button will take you to the checkout page to purchase the course. PayPal and all major credit cards are accepted. You can pay immediately using PayPal, a safe and reliable online payment program. You do not need a PayPal account to use your own credit card. 

    How do I register/enroll for the course?

    Create an account or log in to your existing account to enroll. Once you are logged in, click the "Enroll" button on the course location/date you would like to attend. Complete the purchase of the course. You will be able to begin the online lessons immediately after purchase.

    What is your refund policy?

    We understand that plans can change. You can find our refund policy in Section 3 of our Terms and Conditions.

    Do I need to purchase a textbook or other study material?

    No textbook or study materials are required.

    What will I learn?

    Course Objectives:
    1. Explore the history and philosophy surrounding the use of nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation sedation in dental practice, to appreciate its evolution and rationale in modern dentistry.
    2. Understand and define the physiological and psychological aspects of pain and anxiety relevant to dental procedures, enabling students to effectively address patient concerns.
    3. Describe and differentiate the stages of central nervous system depression associated with nitrous oxide, focusing on the distinctions between conscious and unconscious states.
    4. Gain a comprehensive knowledge of respiratory anatomy and physiology to understand the effects of nitrous oxide on respiratory function in both pediatric and adult patients.
    5. Analyze the pharmacological and physiological effects of nitrous oxide, including its properties, actions, side effects, absorption, excretion, and toxicity in clinical applications.
    6. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide to inform clinical decision-making and treatment planning.
    7. Review respiratory considerations and management approaches for both pediatric and adult patients undergoing nitrous oxide sedation.
    8. Discuss and understand the circulatory physiology and anatomy pertinent to the administration of nitrous oxide, ensuring comprehensive patient assessments.
    9. Develop skills to manage reactions and complications associated with nitrous oxide sedation, promoting patient safety and effective crisis response.
    10. Learn to take and evaluate a thorough health history, including vital signs, to determine the suitability of nitrous oxide for individual patients.
    11. Identify, prevent, and manage potential complications and life-threatening situations related to the use of nitrous oxide sedation.
    12. Describe the various inhalation sedation equipment and understand the principles of physiological monitoring and proper administration techniques.
    13. Examine the legal implications and ethical considerations associated with the use of nitrous oxide in dentistry to ensure compliance and patient safety.
    14. Discuss the hallucinatory effects and sexual phenomena reported with nitrous oxide, fostering a deeper understanding of patient experiences.
    15. Address the potential for nitrous oxide abuse and its implications for public health and dental practice.
    16. Recommend techniques for reducing occupational exposure to nitrous oxide and introduce the potential health hazards associated with trace anesthetics. Outline proposed techniques for mitigation in accordance with CDC and OSHA guidelines to ensure a safe dental environment.

    Course Info

    Credits: 14 CE hours (10 self-study + 4 in-person)
    Course Type: Self-Instruction, Lecture, Participation
    Location: Hybrid (Online and In-Person)
    Original Course Release Date: 2008
    Last Review Date: March 31, 2025
    Date of Next Review: March 31, 2026
    AGD Subject Code(s): 340 Anesthesia and Pain Management
    Course Provider: Dent ED Online
    Course Confilcts of Interest: None
    What We Offer

    What's included in this online course?

    Current evidence-based curriculum

    Our faculty's expertise will help you become an expert in the techniques of nitrous administration.

    Study at your own pace

    This course is 100% online. You have 3 months to complete the course. The average time to complete the course is 1 week.

    Unique learning experience

    You will not learn just by watching many hours of videos. We are offering interactive courses with small lessons and quizzes to improve your knowledge.