Dental group says gas thefts no laughing matter
By J. Manning - Milwaukee Sentinel (11/24/94)

Thieves apparently looking to use nitrous oxide to get high at rave parties have broken into 3 dental offices in recent weeks and taken canisters of the so-called "laughing gas," the WI Dental Association said Wednesday.

Recent break-ins in West Bend, Beaver Dam and Jackson prompted the association to issue an alert to all WI dentists Wednesday, association spokesman Rick Brandtjen said.

Nitrous oxide is used in some dental offices for sedating patients during dental procedures. It acts as a mild depressant on the brain and CNS when used in conjunction with oxygen in therapeutic amounts, according to the association, which represents more than 2,700 dentists statewide.

"Nitrous oxide is safe and effective for use in the dental office under the direct supervision of a trained dental professional," Steven Lindstrom, president of the WDA, said. "It can be harmful if used inappropriately or without the supervision of a trained dental or medical expert.“

The inappropriate use of the gas can result in death by suffocation, according to Marquette University Dental School.

Under state and federal laws, only trained and certified dental and medical professionals are authorized to administer nitrous oxide.

The WDA said the gas "is popular at 'rave' parties for getting high.“ Rave parties are clandestine affairs for teens and young adults that may feature all-night dancing, music, drugs and alcohol.

Lindstrom cautioned local dentists to be aware of people posing as new patients who call and ask if nitrous oxide is used in their office.

He urged dentists to record the date, time and phone numbers of the calls and contact law enforcement officials with the information.

Lindstrom said the VMA and dentists are working with local law enforcement agencies investigating the break-ins.

Unfortunately, there is not much dentists can do to prevent burglars from taking the canisters, Brandtjen said.
It's not practical to put the canisters in safes or remove them each night, he said.