Local Anesthesia for the Dental Assistant: A 45-Hour Training Program – January-April 2026

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.


 

Course Audience:

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.

Tabs

Description

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.