Which supervision level is required for a dental assistant when administering nitrous oxide?

The correct choice reflects the requirement that a dental assistant administer nitrous oxide under direct supervision. This means that a licensed dentist must be present in the treatment facility and must have prescribed the use of nitrous oxide. Direct supervision allows the dentist to oversee the procedure actively and ensures that any immediate response is available should the patient experience any adverse effects during the administration of nitrous oxide.

In this context, it's important to recognize the level of responsibility and skill required when dealing with the administration of nitrous oxide, which affects a patient’s level of consciousness and physiological state. Direct supervision ensures the safety and effectiveness of the procedure by having a licensed professional available to monitor the patient's condition in real-time and to make adjustments as necessary.

The options that represent other levels of supervision would not be suitable in this scenario. Indirect supervision typically allows for a dental assistant to perform certain tasks without the dentist being present but does not apply to procedures like nitrous oxide administration, which require close monitoring. General supervision indicates that a dentist has given authorization for certain procedures but does not require their physical presence. "None" suggests that no supervision is necessary, which is not appropriate for the administration of sedation agents like nitrous oxide.