Course Overview:

A comprehensive one-day CPD course designed for dental hygienists and therapists who want to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in local anaesthesia (LA). The course combines 4 hours of in-depth theory with 3 hours of hands-on practical training, helping participants gain confidence to administer local anaesthesia safely and effectively in clinical practice. Snacks and lunch provided.

Morning Session – Theory (2 hours): Introduction to local anaesthesia (importance, patient comfort, common clinical challenges); history of local anaesthesia (evolution of techniques, key milestones); pharmacology of local anaesthesia (composition, properties, mode of action, affected nerves).

Midday Session – Theory (2 hours): Types of local anaesthetics (esters vs amides, topical anaesthetics, vasoconstrictors); equipment in local anaesthesia (syringes, needles, cartridges, safe handling and storage, troubleshooting).

Practical Session – Maxilla (1.5 hours): Maxillary anatomy and landmarks, aspiration techniques, infiltration vs block anaesthesia; hands-on infiltration and block anaesthesia under supervision with personalised feedback.

Practical Session – Mandible (1.5 hours): Mandibular anatomy and landmarks, injection site accuracy, inferior dental nerve block, mental and long buccal nerve blocks; hands-on practising nerve blocks on manikin jaws or peers, technique adjustments, post-injection care and complication awareness.

Learning outcomes:

Develop a strong understanding of local anaesthetic techniques; confidently administer maxillary and mandibular anaesthesia; identify key anatomical landmarks for accurate delivery; recognise and manage complications; improve patient comfort and clinical outcomes.

Chronology:

09:00 Registration opens;

09:15 Introductions and housekeeping;

09:30 Theoretical Lecture – part 1;

11:00 Break;

11:30 Theoretical Lecture – part 2;

13:00 Lunch;

14:00 Practical Training Part 1;

15:30 Break;

16:00 Practical Training Part 2;

17:30 Q&A and end of day.