Nitrous-oxide use. I. Risk of potential exposure and compliance among Nebraska dentists and dental assistants.

Patterns of nitrous-oxide (N,O) use among Nebraska dentists and dental assistants are reported. More than 800 respondents answered questions relating to risk of N,O exposure and compliance with N,O standards in the dental office: 73 percent of these dental practices using N,O have a state-registration permit. Dentists and dental assistants (from registered and unregistered practices) reported risk of exposure differently. Important compliance issues emerged (the average compliance rate was 9 on a scale of 17). Most N,O users have scavenging systems, but they are not properly operated. Few dental practices test for leaks or conduct N,O-monitoring tests. By complying with the recommendations for N,O administration, dental-care workers can minimize their risk of exposure.