In this course, you will learn the necessary theory to appropriately treatment plan and successfully administer topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. The course includes the components of pain/nerve conduction, pain control mechanisms, topical anesthesia, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia.

You will learn by completing the learning modules presented on Blackboard and viewing video demonstrations. Clinical application will consist of injection techniques with course participant partners. During the course, participants will  practice the administration of nitrous oxide-oxygen to each other. Multimedia review of course materials is also part of the learning activities.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the following courses are required for entry into this course:

DNH 115 Histology/Head and Neck Anatomy

DNH 120 Management of Emergencies

DNH 216 Pharmacology

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

1. Discuss the importance of reviewing the medical history and assessment of the psychological profile of a patient prior to the administration of local anesthesia.

2. Discuss the pharmacologic actions and anatomical considerations for the administration of local anesthetic agents.

3. Demonstrate the proper assembly of the local anesthetic armamentarium.

4. Demonstrate maxillary/mandibular infiltration and block anesthesia techniques to clinical competency on a patient.

5. Discuss the potential complications and management of emergencies when administering nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia.

6. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia armamentarium  

7. Demonstrate to clinical competency, on a patient, nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation techniques.

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least 2 of the 3 exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments. Note also, you must pass both Lecture and Lab portions with a 75% in order to pass the course.

There are 3 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at the one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers or at the Locust Grove campus of GCC. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.