Kathy Bassett, RDH, MEd, is a professor of dental hygiene at Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington, and an affiliate professor in the Department of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle. She is also a member of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Editorial Advisory Board. A national and international lecturer, Bassett writes frequently on local anesthesia and is a coauthor of Local Anesthesia for Dental Professionals.
Clinicians should be aware of current Food and Drug Administration-approved recommendations when determining the appropriate dose for individual patients.
Effective psychological pain and anxiety management techniques can help patients who are averse to needles and injections receive the dental treatment they need.