Revised 05/2025

DNH 235 - Management of Dental Pain and Anxiety in the Dental Office (2 CR.)

Course Description

This course provides a study of anxiety and pain management techniques used in dental care. Students will understand the necessary theory to appropriately treat, plan and successfully administer topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, and nitrous-oxide/oxygen analgesia. Includes the components of pain, pain control mechanisms, topical anesthesia, and nitrous-oxide/oxygen analgesia. Lecture 1 hour per week. Laboratory 2 hours per week. Total 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course allows students to attain entry-level competency in administration of anesthesia and analgesics to manage pain and anxiety in the dental healthcare setting.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites:  and . Corequisite: .

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of reviewing the medical history and assessment of the psychological profile of a patient prior to the administration of local anesthesia.
  • Discuss the pharmacologic actions and anatomical considerations for the administration of local anesthetic agents.
  • Describe and demonstrate the proper assembly of the local anesthetic armamentarium.
  • Demonstrate to clinical competency on a patient maxillary/mandibular infiltration and block anesthesia techniques.
  • Discuss the potential complications and management of emergencies when administering local anesthetics.
  • Discuss the pharmacologic actions of nitrous-oxide/oxygen analgesia.
  • Discuss the potential complications and management of emergencies when administering nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and use of the nitrous-oxide/oxygen analgesia armamentarium.
  • Demonstrate to clinical competency on a patient nitrous-oxide/oxygen sedation techniques.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Professional and Ethical Behavior - Discern and manage the ethical issues faced in dental hygiene. Adhere to local, state and federal laws, recommendations, and regulations for dental hygiene actions and services.
  • Problem Solving and Decision Making - Acquire, synthesize, and analyze information in a scientific and effective manner
  • Assessment - Have the ability to systematically collect, analyze and record data on the general, oral, and psycho-social health status of clients using methods consistent with medico-legal-ethical principles
  • Planning - Have the ability to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene plan through collaboration with the client and/or other health professionals
  • Implementation - Provide specialized care that includes educational preventive, and therapeutic services designed to assist the client in achieving and maintaining oral health goals
  • Evaluation and Maintenance - Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented educational, preventive, and therapeutic services and modify as needed
  • Education and Communication - Have the ability to promote the values of oral and general health to the public and organizations within and outside the profession