DHG 230 : Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist
This course is a study of the theory of pain management in dental hygiene and dentistry. Topics include general anesthesia, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation and topical anesthesia. The course includes a review of head and neck anatomy; neurophysiology; anesthetic pharmacology; management of local and systemic anesthetic complications; evaluation of the patient; mandibular and maxillary local anesthesia techniques; and infection control and exposure control protocols. Laboratory exercises are designed to provide students the opportunity to administer mandibular and maxillary injection techniques. The laboratory hours are completed during the first half of the fall semester. Prerequisite: DHG 119, DHG 128 and sophomore standing. One lecture hour and 2 laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. List and demonstrate the procedures of local anesthesia infection control procedures.
2. List and describe normal head and neck anatomy as it applies to local anesthesia.
3. List and demonstrate the steps for administering an atraumatic injection technique.
4. Describe and demonstrate the different techniques for the administration of local anesthesia.
5. State and demonstrate selection of the proper local anesthetic for patient care.
6. State and describe neurophysiology of a nerve impulse and the blocking role of a local anesthetic.
7. List and describe the pharmacology and clinical actions of local anesthesia and vasoconstrictors
8. List and describe the physical and psychological evaluation of the patient
9. Demonstrate documenting treatment on the services rendered note, recognizing this as a legal document and maintaining accuracy and consistency.
10. Recognizing medical conditions that require special precautions or considerations prior to or during the administration of local anesthesia.
11.Identifies a medical emergency, take steps to prevent an emergency, and is prepared to help manage an emergency should it occur.
12. Demonstrate the selection and proper use of the armamentarium of local anesthesia.
13. Describe the clinical recognition of and treatment modalities for the local and systemic complications possible from administering local anesthesia.
14. State and list the mechanisms of nitrous oxide and how it relates to pain control for the dental hygienist.
15. Calculate dosages of local anesthesia
16. List the legal ramifications of administering local anesthesia.
17. Demonstrate the topical application of topical anesthetics
18. Describe and demonstrate supplemental injections used in local anesthesia.