Pilot study implementing mixed media and animation into the Preclinical Dental Anesthesia Course.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: During 2019, the "perfect intersection" of collaboration and innovative education using live video merged with animation was launched in the preclinical local anesthesia curriculum at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. This article includes the audible video created and describes the software used to blend dynamic animation for content delivery. This mixed-media approach merges animation with live video resulting with innovative teaching and student learning. Further, outcomes are discussed from voluntary postassessment surveys regarding how students perceived this innovation when introduced into preclinical local anesthesia curriculum. Within the advancements for the preclinical local anesthesia curriculum, development of short videos is introduced to students reviewing armamentarium and injection delivery to address patients' pain management. DESIGN: Within the advancements for this preclinical local anesthesia curriculum, short video development was introduced to students through online assessments. Afterward, students were given a voluntary postassessment survey. The 2017 results served as the genesis for the 2019 pilot study implementing mixed media and animation into assessments. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Results determined 78.6% agreed they would like to see more assessments made with integrated animation and mixed media. Additionally, 77% agreed they would like to see other courses use mixed media assessments. The pilot study implementing mixed media and animation into the preclinical dental anesthesia course was a unique addition to the curriculum engaging students for assessments.

Preliminary Evidence Supports Modification of Retraction Technique to Prevent Needlestick Injuries.

A modified retraction technique was introduced into the DDS degree preclinical anesthesia course in 2011 with the goal of reducing needlestick exposure incidents. In numerous studies of dental exposures, injuries from dental anesthetic needles account for the highest proportion of all exposures. The purpose of this study was to assess the preliminary impact of a modified retraction technique on the incidence of blood and body fluids (BBF) exposure incidents associated with needles during injection. Data from evaluations of students from 2014 and 2015 were obtained and tracked to determine whether the modified retraction technique was "excellent," "clinically acceptable," or "clinically unacceptable." Data were collected to determine if the patient perceived the modified retraction technique as "comfortable" or "correctable when addressed" to help improve student technique for future injections. Likewise, data from the blood-borne exposure database where all information related to BBF exposures is recorded were reviewed and the information separated by year and class. This study presents preliminary data only and because of the small sample size does not lend itself to validation by statistical analysis. However, the technique effectively removes the operator's hand from the field during injection, reducing the risk of accidental intraoral needlestick to the nondominant hand of the operator.

Temporary Diplopia After Gow-Gates Injection: Case Report and Review.

Complications associated with various local anesthetic techniques have been recorded in case reports and reviews. This current case reports a transient incident of blurred, double vision (diplopia) following a Gow-Gates mandibular block injection. There is descriptive discussion on possibilities associated with intra-arterial injection, intravenous injection, diffusion through tissue planes, and the autonomic nervous system pathway to lend credence suggesting the etiology of the complication. For practitioners, recognizing when a complication arises from anesthesia delivery and managing the patient in an appropriate manner is essential to an overall agreeable outcome.