Dental Hygiene Anesthesia: Continuing the Education

As a dental hygienist or dental assistant, you knowof the essential anatomy that need be fully
that it is necessary to graduate from an Americanunderstood to perform dental anesthesia, as well as
Dental Association (ADA) accredited school of dentalphysiology and pharmacology of the pain control
hygiene and have a current certification in CPR andagents, typically nitrous oxide.
other such documents.The idea, of course, is to train a dental hygienist who
- Dental Hygiene Anesthesia: What to Expectwill safely and effectively administer a local
Continuing education is important in dental anesthesia,anesthesia. This means the course should probably
in order to stay in touch with the latest trends andinclude lecture time, laboratory time and focus on
technologies as well as staying current with safetyclinical settings. At the completion of the course, the
and procedures as they are to be properlyparticipant should receive a certificate of local
performed. This article discusses some of theanesthesia for the acceptable state of practice.
continuing education opportunities available for clinicalYou will most likely be provided with a text book on
local anesthesia courses.local anesthesia as well which is included in the
Most continuing education dental hygiene anesthesiapayment. However, don't expect a refund for partial
courses are going to provide a comprehensivecompletion of the course.
introduction to conscious sedation. Topics will mostUsually there will be a few course presenters who will
likely include areas of anatomy, physiology,take part in the lecture, laboratory time and clinical
pharmacology and dental emergencies.trial and clinical settings time.
Other dental hygiene anesthesia courses will describe- Dental Hygiene Anesthesia Conclusion:
themselves as pain control and local anesthesiaYou will obviously want to take a course that will
courses. All courses will be anywhere from 3 days tocertify you for the state in which you practice. Shop
a week long, and could be seen somewhat asaround for the right price, as you may find big
refresher courses.differences in the course costs. Make sure to
- What to Look for in a Good Dental Hygienecomplete all the general requirements and be aware
Anesthesia Course:of them, as well as the time it will take to complete
A good course will provide content on rationale forthe course. Make sure the dental hygienist licensing
pain management, medical emergencies as well ascourse has a strong reputation as well.
client management tools. There should be a review