Pain Control.

Catalog description

This course provides the student with the fundamentals of pain management used in dentistry. A variety of topical and local anesthetic delivery devices will be discussed and utilized. Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and pharmacology of local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors and topical anesthetics will be covered. A thorough patient assessment including stress reduction protocol is utilized. Techniques of local anesthesia administration, including infiltration, field, and nerve blocks will be demonstrated and return demonstrations will be performed until competency is achieved. This includes injections for maxillary, mandibular, palatal and supplemental pain control. The expanded role of the dental hygienist to include administration of oral anesthetics for pain control necessitates a thorough exposure to the theory and practice of administration within the scope of dental hygiene education. This course will prepare the student to take the “Permit L” which licenses the student to administer local anesthesia in Massachusetts. Critical thinking skills, whole body patient management, local and systemic complications including emergency response to patient medical emergencies will be an integral part of the course. This course will introduce the student to utilizing pain management options in dentistry and provide basic techniques in choosing and administering anesthetics agents for pain control. Completion of this course with a final grade of C+ or better must be achieved in order to advance in the DHY program. Summer. Prerequisites: DHY 105 , DHY 106 , DHY 107 , DHY 108 .