Dental Anesthesia for Medical Providers: A Novel Interprofessional Course

Scott Emil Irving Howell; Hennah Jafferbhoy; Colleen Trombly; Jesse Thompson; Linda Knutson

doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000389

Dental Anesthesia for Medical Providers: A Novel Interprofessional Course

J Physician Assist Educ. 2021 Dec 1;32(4):257-260. doi: 10.1097/JPA.0000000000000389.

Authors

Scott Emil Irving Howell^{1

2

3

4

5}, Hennah Jafferbhoy^{1

2

3

4

5}, Colleen Trombly^{1

2

3

4

5}, Jesse Thompson^{1

2

3

4

5}, Linda Knutson^{1

2

3

4

5}

Affiliations

¹ Scott Emil Irving Howell, DMD, MPH, is an associate professor and director of director of public health dentistry & teledentistry at A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Mesa, Arizona.
² Hennah Jafferbhoy, DMD, was a dental student at A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Mesa, Arizona.
³ Colleen Trombly, MHSA, is an assistant professor at A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Mesa, Arizona.
⁴ Jesse Thompson, BS, is a simulation education specialist at A.T. Still University, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Mesa, Arizona.
⁵ Linda Knutson, MEd, MS, PA-C, is a retired former director of clinical skills at A.T. Still University, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, Mesa, Arizona.

PMID: 34731873
DOI: 10.1097/JPA.0000000000000389

Abstract

Purpose: To limit the use of opioids for nontraumatic dental conditions in emergency settings, the physician assistant (PA) and dental faculty at A.T. Still University designed a course that teaches PA students to administer dental anesthesia.

Methods: Dental faculty and teacher assistants taught PA students proper dental anesthesia. The course consisted of a recorded, prelaboratory lecture and in-person lab. During the laboratory, students rotated through 3 stations where they reviewed dental anatomy, practiced injections on dental anesthesia manikins, and simulated injections on student volunteers using the Safe-D-Needle. Students completed verbal and hands-on assessments.

Results: Ninety-seven percent of students passed the assessments on their first attempt. Course evaluations suggested the course had a positive effect on students' attitudes toward oral pain management.

Conclusion: This educational model allowed PAs to expand their emergency medicine toolbox. In the future, this model should be adapted to incorporate other healthcare professionals as well.

MeSH terms

Anesthesia, Dental*
Humans
Interprofessional Relations
Physician Assistants* / education
Students