National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Can a dental assistant start, monitor, and remove IV sedation for a patient?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if trained

4. Only under supervision

The correct answer is: No

A dental assistant is not authorized to start, monitor, and remove IV sedation for a patient because these procedures are considered advanced therapeutic interventions typically reserved for licensed dental professionals, such as dentists or dental anesthesiologists. IV sedation involves the administration of medication that requires a thorough understanding of pharmacology, patient assessment, and emergency management, which falls outside the scope of practice for dental assistants. Regulations often dictate that only qualified individuals can perform these tasks, ensuring patient safety and adherence to legal standards. While some dental assistants may undergo additional training that could enable them to assist in procedures involving sedation, the direct administration and management of IV sedation is generally not permitted for them. This maintains high standards of patient care and protects both the patient and the dental team.