Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College

Revised 09/2026

DNH 235 - Management of Dental Pain and Anxiety in the Dental Office (2 CR.)

Course Description

Provides a study of anxiety and pain management techniques used in dental care. Students will understand the necessary theory to appropriately treat, plan and successfully administer topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. Includes the components of pain, pain control mechanisms, topical anesthesia, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia. Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course allows students to attain entry-level competency in administration of anesthesia and analgesics to manage pain and anxiety in the dental healthcare setting.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: DNH 143 and DNH 214.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of reviewing the medical history and assessment of the psychological profile of a patient prior to the administration of local anesthesia.
  • Discuss the pharmacologic actions and anatomical considerations for the administration of local anesthetic agents.
  • Describe and demonstrate the proper assembly of the local anesthetic armamentarium.
  • Demonstrate to clinical competency on a patient maxillary/mandibular infiltration and block anesthesia techniques.
  • Discuss the potential complications and management of emergencies when administering local anesthetics.
  • Discuss the pharmacologic actions of nitrous-oxide/oxygen analgesia.
  • Discuss the potential complications and management of emergencies when administering nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and use of the nitrous-oxide/oxygen analgesia armamentarium.
  • Demonstrate to clinical competency on a patient nitrous-oxide/oxygen sedation techniques.
  • Describe four useful types of control for anxious patients receiving injections.
  • Apply appropriate fear management strategies and coping skills to the administration of anesthetics

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Local Anesthesia in dentistry and anatomy review
  • Neurophysiology of local anesthesia
  • Topical Anesthetics
  • Basic Pharmacology
  • Dental local anesthetic drugs and vasoconstrictors in dentistry
  • Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation
  • Troubleshooting inadequate
  • Insights for fearful patient