Course Overview
The local anesthetics refresher and review course is clinically focused on refreshing confidence in local anesthetic administrating with a review of select injection types: SI, IO, PSA, GP, NP, IA/L, MI and LB. Participants will also learn to administer the AMSA injection. This course provides dental hygienists with a comprehensive blend of online and in-person review and hands-on practice in an afternoon session at the KAYE Edmonton clinic.
Course Goals
This course aims to refresh dental hygienists who already hold local anesthetic certification (advanced restricted activity) on how to safely and effectively perform local anesthetic injections. Key goals include:
- Review Foundational Knowledge – Reinforce key concepts in pharmacology and medical emergencies related to local anesthesia.
- Enhance Clinical Competence – Strengthen practical skills in administering local anesthesia through review, demonstration, and hands-on practice.
- Refine Injection Techniques – Improve confidence in performing various nerve block techniques.
- Ensure Safe and Effective Practice – Emphasize patient safety, proper operator positioning, retraction, and troubleshooting during administration.
Course Schedule
Online Learning Modules
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Self-paced modules available for one year from the date of course enrollment.
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Covers pharmacology, neurophysiology, anatomy, injection techniques, safety protocols related to local anesthesia.
Clinical Day Schedule
Location: KAYE Edmonton Clinic, University of Alberta
Practical sessions are partner-based, meaning participants will both administer and receive injections. Pregnancy is a contraindication to receiving injections for the course.
| Time | Activity |
|---|
| 7:45 – 8:00 AM | Check-in & Registration |
| 8:00 – 11:00 AM | Classroom Review (Core Concepts, Techniques, and Case Studies) |
| 11:00 – 11:30 AM | Classroom Quiz & Knowledge Assessment |
| 11:30 – 12:30 PM | Lunch Break |
| 12:30 – 1:00 PM | Clinic Orientation & Safety Briefing |
| 1:00 – 3:00 PM | Hands-on Injections Practical |
| 3:00 – 4:00 PM | AMSA (Anterior Middle Superior Alveolar) Injection Practical |
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Debrief & Q&A |
Course Materials
Course modules can be found on eClass (account creation information will be provided after registration). eClass access will be provided for one year from course enrolment.
Requirements
- RDH designation and an active practicing license with current or previous local anesthetic authorization from your dental hygiene regulatory authority.
- If you are practicing out-of-province, a Letter of Good Standing from your current dental regulatory authority (Please confirm with your regulatory body whether LA administration is within your scope of practice).
- Practice permit and current CPR certificate documents are required to be uploaded upon registration
Policies
- Refunds after eClass access will not be facilitated except in extreme circumstances. Transfer to a future session may be facilitated under certain extenuating circumstances and with sufficient notice provided.
- If you are taking this course while registered as a dental hygienist in a province other than Alberta, it is your (the participant's) responsibility to ensure that your regulatory body will accept course work completed through the University of Alberta. The University of Alberta takes no responsibility if you take a course through our institution, and your regulatory body refuses to certify you/allow you to practice this activity.
Questions?
Contact us at dentce@ualberta.ca or 780-492-1894 for any questions or concerns. Course information, prerequisites, and policies are provided below.