Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Dentistry
 
chapter
Regulations Governing Dental Practice [18 VAC 60 ‑ 20]
Action Administration of anesthesia or analgesia by hygienists
Stage Final
Comment Period Ended on 4/16/2008
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3/21/08  7:49 pm
Commenter: Tanner, Debra RDH

RDH administrating anesthesia and analgesia
 

I graduated from Dental Hygiene college, Cum Laude, in 1994.  It's been a long time since I had an anatomy class.  But, back then I did learn where all of the nerves are in the head and neck should be and could have administrated anesthesia if I were taught how and it was legal. 

It would be helpful to the dentist for the hygienist to administer anesthesia.  I agree that it should be legal in Virginia for the Registered Dental Hygienist to administer anesthesia, following formal education.  

There is little demand for hygienists now.  Employeers are allowing dental assistant to scaling child's teeth and they think it's legal.  Dental hygienist's are qualified to throughtly remove calculus which leads to less adults who will need anesthesia for a proper cleaning.

CommentID: 1226