Problem: In Texas, dental hygienists cannot administer nitrous oxide without a dentist present due to state regulations. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners specifies that nitrous oxide requires direct supervision by a licensed dentist, meaning if the dentist is away, the hygienist should not administer it. Instead, the hygienist can either reschedule the appointment for when the dentist is available or proceed with the treatment without sedation if the patient is comfortable with that approach?. Need Online Tutoring?