Dental hygienists are regularly providing local anesthesia safely and effectively across the United States.

Most states allow dental hygienists to perform this important clinical function but controversy remains.

Medical-dental integration is key in the effort to improve patients’ overall health.

Effective risk assessment is key to changing patient behavior and understanding patients.

While many oral health professionals prefer this technique, the evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing pain response is limited.

Even though dental hygienists have been successfully administering local anesthesia for more than 40 years, consensus on national education standards and utilization guidelines has yet to be achieved.

Clinicians should be well versed in the appropriate methodology, equipment, and drug selection when administering local anesthesia to children.