Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist - Certification Prep Course

Study of the application of various physical, chemical, and psychological modalities to the prevention and treatment of preoperative and postoperative patient anxiety and pain. Emphasis on administration of local anesthesia.

1. Explain pain/impulse conduction related to nerve anatomy and physiology.
2. Discuss the modalities of pain and mechanisms used to control pain.
3. Discuss the different types of nerve fibers and their functions.
4. Describe the pharmacological properties, actions, considerations, and contraindications to local anesthetic agents, vasoconstrictors, and nitrous oxide.
5. Evaluate and describe the relationship between pKa and pH as well as the clinical relevance of both.
6. Evaluate and discuss the signs, symptoms, and effects of local anesthetics in the central nervous system (CNS)
7. Evaluate and discuss the signs, symptoms, and effects of local anesthetics in the cardiovascular system (CVS)
8. Outline and discuss the biotransformation of esthers and amides and the half-life concept. 
9. Identify and discuss vasoconstrictors. Similarities/differences between epinephrine and levonordefrin. 
10. Describe and distinguish between clinical signs and symptoms of vasoconstrictors vs. local anesthetics. 
11. Define and discuss what a maximum recommended dose is. 
12. List maximum recommended doses for anesthetics and vasoconstrictors. 
13. Calculate and explain maximum recommended doses of local anesthetic drugs and vasoconstrictors when one or multiple drugs with differing concentrations are administered on children, adults and those with compromised health systems. 
14. Discuss the topical anesthetics available in dentistry and determine their potency. 
15. Describe signs, symptoms, and adverse reactions, of topical anesthetics. 
16. Assess the client’s medico-dental history as it relates to choice of technique and agents used in the administration of local anesthetic and nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia.
17. Demonstrate competence in administering selected local anesthetic injections and nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia.
18. Determine the appropriate pain control armamentarium, agents and techniques need to ensure patient safety and comfort during the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia.
19. Identify and describe intraoral landmarks implicated in the administration of local anesthetics.
20. List and explain the use and purpose for each armamentarium item required for the administration of local anesthesia. 
21. Explain the different types of needles used for the delivery of local anesthesia and the rationale for using each needle. 
22. Explain the proper sharps management to be used when handling local anesthetics and needles. 
23. Explain proper protocols to manage adverse reactions to local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors in the dental office. 
24. List and describe adverse reactions of local anesthetics in the CNS and CVS. 
25. Evaluate and explain situations that require medical consultation before the administration of local anesthetics. 
26. Describe signs and symptoms of undiagnosed medical conditions that can affect local anesthetic administration. 
27. Determine ways to prevent and manage potential emergencies associated with dental anesthetics and nitrous oxide.
28. Describe the basic technique for administration of the following injections: 1. Infiltrations, 2. ASA nerve block, 3. MSA nerve block, 4. IO nerve block, 5. PSA nerve block, 6. IA nerve block, 7. lingual nerver block, 8. Buccal nerve block, 9. Mental nerve block, 10. Incisive nerve block, 11. Gow- Gates nerve block, 12. Vazirani-Akinosi (Akinosi) nerve block.