Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Which duty requires completion of an additional course for a licensed dental hygienist to perform?

1. Apply fluoride treatments

2. Administer local anesthesia

3. Provide dental education to patients

4. Scale and polish teeth

The correct answer is: Administer local anesthesia

The requirement for a licensed dental hygienist to complete an additional course to administer local anesthesia is based on the advanced skill set and knowledge necessary for the procedure. Administering local anesthesia involves understanding the anatomy of the oral region, the pharmacodynamics of anesthetics, and the management of potential complications that may arise during the administration. In Minnesota, the practice of dental hygiene includes specific duties that do not require extra training, such as applying fluoride treatments, providing dental education to patients, and scaling and polishing teeth. These tasks are part of the foundational training for hygienists and fall within the standard scope of practice. However, the administration of local anesthesia is classified as an advanced procedure, hence the necessity for an additional educational course to ensure competency and adherence to safety protocols. This training equips hygienists with the skills to assess patient needs accurately, deliver anesthesia effectively, and handle any adverse reactions, ensuring high standards of patient care.