The University of Florida College of Dentistry offers one of the most respected Local Anesthesia Certification Courses specifically designed for registered dental hygienists seeking to expand their clinical scope. This intensive 3-day hands-on program covers all aspects of local anesthesia from pharmacology and neurophysiology to advanced injection techniques for periodontal patients. With only 30 participants per session and direct faculty mentorship, this program delivers the clinical competency dental hygienists need to administer local anesthesia safely and effectively.

Program Structure

Format — Intensive 3-day in-person course at UF College of Dentistry in Gainesville, FL. Friday 1:00 PM–6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Duration — 3 days (weekend format), earning 60 CEU credits (Participation)
Class Size — Limited to 30 participants per session for hands-on quality
2026 Dates — April 24–26, August 14–16, October 16–18, December 11–13
Prerequisites — Must be a licensed/registered dental hygienist. Pre-required documents and trainings must be completed two weeks before class start
Clinical Component — Participants actively engage in gaining patient experience with live anesthesia administration under faculty supervision

What You Will Learn

Pharmacology — Comprehensive understanding of local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors, drug interactions, and patient-specific considerations
Neurophysiology and Anatomy — Detailed anatomic considerations for all major injection sites, nerve pathways, and clinical landmarks
Injection Techniques — Mastery of standard and supplemental injection techniques with emphasis on atraumatic administration for patient comfort
Periodontal Focus — Special emphasis on administering anesthesia to periodontal patients, addressing the unique challenges of advanced periodontal treatment
Patient Evaluation — Physical and psychological evaluation of patients prior to receiving local anesthetic or dental treatment
Complication Management — Recognition and management of local and systemic complications including allergic reactions, syncope, and toxicity
Practice Management — Strategic pearls for utilizing dental hygienist-administered anesthesia as a practice builder to improve patient satisfaction and office efficiency

Faculty

The course is led by Dr. Karin C. Schey, DMD, MS, Clinical Assistant Professor in the UF Department of Periodontics. Dr. Schey brings clinical expertise in periodontal treatment and anesthesia administration with no conflicts of interest with corporate sponsors, ensuring unbiased, evidence-based instruction.

Why This Program Stands Out

Key advantages: (1) University of Florida reputation — UF College of Dentistry is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the nation. (2) 60 CEU credits — One of the highest CEU awards for a local anesthesia course. (3) Small class size — 30-participant cap ensures hands-on practice and direct faculty feedback. (4) Weekend format — Designed for working professionals. (5) Expanding scope of practice — Most states now permit dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia. (6) Career advancement — Hygienists with local anesthesia certification command higher salaries.

Career Outcomes

Average dental hygienist salary: $87,530/year (BLS median). With local anesthesia certification, hygienists report salary increases of $3–$5/hour. Job growth projected at 7% through 2033 (BLS). Certification enables hygienists to work more independently in periodontal and restorative procedures.

Who It Is For

Licensed dental hygienists seeking to expand their clinical scope, hygienists in periodontal practices, new graduates looking to differentiate themselves, experienced hygienists wanting to increase earning potential, and hygienists in states with expanded scope of practice.

University of florida — local anesthesia certification for dental hygienists

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