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Article: Disciplinary actions associated with the administration of local anesthetics against dentists and dental hygienists.
- Article from:
- Journal of Dental Hygiene
- Article date:
- January 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 American Dental Hygienists' Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Purpose. Research studies have demonstrated the need for and the ability of dental hygienists to provide local anesthetics for pain control and reduction of patient anxiety. Although two-thirds of state dental practice laws allow these services to be performed by dental hygienists, controversy exists between organized dentistry and dental hygiene regarding the administration of local anesthetics by dental hygienists. Some dentists believe the quality of care would be compromised and patient safety jeopardized because dental hygienists do not have adequate background knowledge to prevent complications and recognize emergencies caused by anesthetics. The purpose of this ...