Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist

Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist Certificate Program

Local anesthesia is a type of anesthetic used to prevent pain in a specific area of the mouth during dental treatment by blocking the nerves that transmit pain. The Indiana Dental Practice Act permits a dental hygienist to perform the administration of local dental anesthetics under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. The program will provide the didactic (online) and laboratory instruction required for licensure as established by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry.

Refer to 2011 Indiana State rules 2011 Code 1C 25-13-1-10.6

This program satisfies the educational requirements for local anesthesia for the state of Indiana. This program may NOT meet the requirements set forth by another state. Completion of this program does NOT result in the acquisition of a license to provide anesthesia in Indiana. Further actions must be taken to complete the process with the Indiana State Board of Dentistry.

Who Should Enroll in this Program?

This program is designed for English-speaking licensed dental hygienists who want to receive certification in the administration of block and local infiltration anesthesia. Interested participants must be a dental hygienist who holds an active license in the United States.

Participation in the local anesthesia program includes not only the experience of administering anesthesia but also the experience of receiving anesthesia.

Learning Outcome

The learning outcome of this program is to enable the learner to incorporate best practices related to the administration of local dental anesthetics.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the theory of pain control.
2. Explain the psychological aspects of pain control.
3. Describe the neurophysiology of nerve stimulus transmission.
4. Discuss head and neck anatomy as it relates to local anesthetic administration.
5. Apply the pharmacology of local anesthetics/vasoconstrictors to clinical practice.
6. Assist in selecting the appropriate clinical techniques to control pain and anxiety.
7. Complete a comprehensive physical and psychological evaluation of clients prior to administering local anesthetic.
8. Prepare and disassemble the appropriate armamentarium for local anesthesia while demonstrating proper infection control techniques.
9. Demonstrate proper application of topical anesthetic and discuss the rationale for its use.
10. Locate anatomical sites for specific local anesthetic injection techniques.
11. Demonstrate techniques used for local anesthesia administration for all maxillary and mandibular injection sites in a safe and effective manner.
12. Recognize and manage local and systemic complications associated with the use of local anesthetic agents.
13. Assist in the management of medical emergencies related to the use of local anesthetic agents.
14. Demonstrate appropriate record keeping of local anesthetic techniques.

Criteria for Successful Completion

• Submit registration and payment.
• Submit proof of a current dental hygiene license, a current Health Care Provider CPR card, and a completed medical form.
• Complete the online course content with a minimum cumulative average of 75%.
• Full attendance at all laboratory sessions (14 hours).
• Successfully completing all required injection experiences. 

Indiana State Certificate Requirements

A dental hygienist must:

• Complete a course in local anesthesia that meets IC 25-13-1-10.6
• Complete the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) online examination.
• Apply to the State of Indiana for a permit in local anesthesia.

Contact Hours (29 Contact Hours)

Twenty nine contact hours (15 hours for the online instruction and 14 hours for the laboratory sessions)

Successful completion of this program does not guarantee expertise in the content. Clinical experience and judgment, coupled with an understanding of the content, are necessary to attain competency. This program satisfies the educational requirements for local anesthesia for the state of Indiana. This program may NOT meet the requirements set forth by another state. Completion of this program does NOT result in the acquisition of a license to provide anesthesia in Indiana. Further actions must be taken to complete the process with the Indiana State Board of Dentistry.

Enrollment Cost - $1,245

A text, if applicable, is not included in the fee.

Fee includes:

• Online instruction and laboratory practical materials.
• Meals will be provided at the laboratory session.

Register Now

Registration Policy

The deadline for registration is the Wednesday prior to the start date. 

Registration by invoicing employer closes two weeks prior to the start date. There is a $25.00 fee to invoice.

The program requires a minimum of 5 participants.

We reserve the right to cancel any offering if there is insufficient enrollment. Registered participants will be notified in advance and fully refunded if this occurs.

Refund Policy

A $75 administrative fee will be charged prior to the start date of the activity if the registration fee has been paid. On or after the start date of the class there will be no refund.

Questions? Call toll-free 1-877-USI-HLTH (874-4584) or 812-461-5217 or email usi1nhpcert@usi.edu