• In December 2009, legislation was passed allowing the administration of local anesthesia by licensed dental hygienists in Pennsylvania. Licensed hygienists who successfully complete a 30 hour minimum local anesthesia course will be qualified to apply for a local anesthesia permit from the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.

This course comprises the specific content areas required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry and is sponsored by the Dental Hygiene Program at Harcum College. 

Prerequisites for Admission

• Proof of current Dental Hygiene License
• Proof of current CPR certification
• Proof of current Driver’s License or photo ID
• Proof of Liability Insurance
• Completed worksheets (will be sent with welcome packet)

Program Dates/Times

April 14, 15, 21, 22, 2012 from 8am - 6pm

Application Deadlines

Space is limited, so please register early.  Register Online! or click here to download and print an application.

Course Content

The course comprises:

• Head and Neck Anatomy
• Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist
• Clinical Pharmacology of Local Anesthesia Agents
• Patient Evaluation and Management for Local Anesthesia
• Medical Complications Associated with Local Anesthesia
• Risk Management Control
• Clinical Observation and Laboratory Sessions

This course is designed to build upon your dental hygiene knowledge as a health care professional. Each student must successfully complete didactic assessments and be competent performing clinical skills administering local anesthesia on each other as lab partners. The course requires several separate experiences for treatment and several observations per student.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The Local Anesthesia course tuition is $1,270 (cost covers course materials, continental breakfast and lunch).

Applicants to the Local Anesthesia course are not eligible for government-based financial aid such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans. You may request brochures for Sallie Mae, or you can make your own private arrangements. For additional information visit www.FinAid.org.

Educational and Certification Requirements

Each candidate must successfully complete didactic assessments and be competent performing clinical skills administering local anesthesia on each other as lab partners. Upon successful completion of the course, the Course Director will sign a certificate of attendance for each candidate.

Licensed Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists must complete a 30 hour minimum local anesthesia course, and then apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry for a local anesthesia permit.

Continuing Studies Faculty:

• Philip Giarraputo, DMD
• Thomas A. Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P.
• Susanne Atkinson, RDH, BS, M.Ed
• Theresa Groody, M.Ed., EFDA, CDA

For More Information

Contact:

Theresa Groody, M.Ed., EFDA, CDA 
Director of Professional Studies 
610.526.1860
tgroody@harcum.edu

-OR-

Susanne Atkinson, RDH, BS, M.Ed.
Dental Hygiene Anesthesia Coordinator
610.526.6083
satkinson@harcum.edu

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• Click here to register online or click here to print a registration form.