DH 329 - Pain Management

This course covers the current concepts of pain management as well as dental anxiety techniques used in the dental office. Students will be prepared to safely administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation therapy for use in the practice of dental hygiene. Students will study client assessment, anatomy, physiology, emergency management procedures, pharmacology, and indications/contraindications associated with the use of local anesthesia or nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation. Emphasis will be placed on selection and administration of appropriate anesthetic agents and evaluation of proper administration techniques. Legal and ethical issues associated with pain management will also be discussed. Laboratory/clinical sessions in the corequisite course include actual experiences in the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. 2.00 semester credit hours Contact Hours: 30.00 Prerequisites: DH 122 General and Oral Pathology, DH 199 Dental Hygiene Preclinical, DH 295 Radiography Interpretation, and DH 315 Leadership in Dental Hygiene. Corequisite: DH 329L Pain Management Lab.