
Get ready to take your dental assisting career to new heights with our exclusive 45-hour course. This Minnesota Board of Dentistry-approved training program will equip you to administer supraperiosteal/field block injections under direct dentist supervision. Our comprehensive course includes 25 hours of engaging didactic instruction through pre-recorded video lectures and assignments, 5 hours of hands-on injection experience in both at-home and clinical settings, and an immersive 15 hours of on-campus training where you'll successfully perform a minimum of 50 supraperiosteal/field block injections. Gain the confidence you need as you document your achievements and receive final approval for completing your training from our top-notch dental hygiene faculty at the renowned University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Pre-clinical assignment information will be sent prior to the course. Onsite clinical training will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, 2026.
Register for Upcoming Sessions
January 12, 2026 6:30 pm - April 19, 2026 3:00 pm
All times for all events are in local Central Time.
Session Location:
Zoom Webinar, in-office/at-home practice, and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Course Number: CF5247
Enrollment is limited to 36.
The new Minnesota Board of Dentistry rule states that administration of local anesthesia by a dental assistant is limited to supraperiosteal and field block injections 37.10 as prescribed by a dentist.
Before administering local anesthesia, a licensed dental assistant must:
- have at least one year of experience practicing as a Minnesota licensed dental assistant in general chairside dental assisting,
- complete a board-approved didactic and clinical course at a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation that requires clinical 37.16 competency in the administration of local anesthesia,
- pass a board-approved, nationally recognized local anesthetic examination (CDCA local anesthesia examination) and
- submit the Minnesota Board of Dentistry’s application for local anesthesia certification.
The University of Minnesota's three-part, board approved training program provides:
- 25 hours of self-paced didactic instruction including a welcome video/Zoom webinar, recorded video lectures, reading assignments, quizzes, and worksheets.
- 5 hours of at-home clinical experience, including a recorded presentation and practice time. Course participants may complete these hands-on experiences at home or in their dental office.
- 15 hours of clinical experience held at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis campus.
Course Prerequisites
- Minnesota Dental Assisting License
- Minimum of one year of current chairside experience as a Minnesota licensed dental assistant
- CPR certification
Learn How To
Analyze basic aspects of local anesthesia
- Selection and preparation of armamentarium
- Topical anesthesia
- Trigeminal nerve
- Basic injection technique
- Emphasis on aspiration and slow deposition
- Proper infection control techniques
- Proper disposal of sharps
- Types of injections (field blocks vs. nerve blocks)
- Documentation and record keeping
- Sharps injury prevention
Discuss pharmacology and neurophysiology
- Pharmacology of local anesthetics
- Neurophysiology
- Pharmacology of vasoconstrictors
- Anesthetic agents
Complete a patient assessment and assess dosage
- Indications for administration of local anesthetics
- Contraindications for administration of local anesthetics
- Absolute contraindications
- Relative contraindications
- Calculating the maximum recommended dose
- Emphasis on using minimum effective dose
Analyze potential complications and manage patients effectively
- Local complications
- Systemic complications
- Prevention, diagnosis, and management of medical emergencies
- Review medications in a standard emergency kit
Consider the importance of toxicity
Demonstrate a supraperiosteal/field block infiltration technique
- Anatomy of the head, neck, and oral cavity as it relates to administering supraperiosteal (SP) injections
- Anesthetic agents for SPs
- Facial/Buccal SPs
- Palatal SPs/infiltrations
- Pediatric considerations for SPs
Overview of injection techniques
These nerve block injections are not in the scope of practice for a licensed dental assistant but are included to help you pass the CDCA exam.
- ASA
- MSA
- PSA
- NP
- GP
- M/I
- IAN
- GG
Load a syringe and demonstrate safe recapping technique
Memorize essential anatomical landmarks
Training Methods
Lecture, discussion, self-study sessions, case studies, demonstration, simulation, laboratory exercises
Note
Injection techniques will be practiced on each other & clinical models. Pregnant women may attend this course, but will not receive injections.