Nitrous oxide...

[shann1214]

Im a dental assistant who normally works around nitrous oxide daily, i do know that n2o can cause miscarriage and/or birth defects... When I announced my pregnancy to the 3 doctors I work with, 2 of them told me get out of restorative and go polish teeth (im certified for this too) or go upfront and help out.. one doctor (the main one i work with) told me she needed a doctor note stating i cannot work w/ n2o or take xrays.. my note said "duration of pregnancy".. dentist says its only first tri that this applies to.. i know it is all 9 months, how can I basically refuse? Obviously I need my job, and some days I feel the office would shutdown w/out me.. but what can I do? Or does anybody know anything about n2o and pregnancy, more than I would?

[oneluckymama]

For the x rays, I took them as long as I could hide behind the wall. I did not hold any in mouths while others pushed buttons though.

[oneluckymama]

I also am a dental assistant.  If anyone in our office is pregnant they are not to assist with any n20 patient through the entire pregnancy. I did not need a note or anything. I would refuse to work with it at all if I were you. Even if the mask is over the patients nose you can still get the nitrous. If you have a chatty patient (while waiting for doctor), or a child ( who is crying / screaming the whole time). Plus even though you tell them to breathe in and out of their nose, a lot breathe out their mouth. If I had a nickel for every headache I've had after work in on nitrous patients and getting some of their nitrous, I'd retire! I'd get a note from your OB stating you can't be around nitrous for your entire pregnancy.  

[jesitubbs]

I am also a dental assistant and pregnant. My Dr. Didn't give me any restrictions. I still take x-rays, although I make sure I am not in the room, and I hide behind a wall when I trigger the x-ray machine. I also work in op rooms while pt's are on nitrous. You just want to make sure you turn the nitrous off before taking the nitrous nose off of your patient. As long as the nose is on your pt, you shouldn't be getting any nitrous in your system. I haven't had any problems. Always do what makes you comfortable though. I know if I had any concerns or special requests, My dental office would accommodate me and my concerns I have for myself and my baby.