RESUMO
PURPOSE: To limit the use of opioids for nontraumatic dental conditions in emergency settings, the physician assistant (PA) and dental faculty at A.T. Still University designed a course that teaches PA students to administer dental anesthesia. METHODS: Dental faculty and teacher assistants taught PA students proper dental anesthesia. The course consisted of a recorded, prelaboratory lecture and in-person lab. During the laboratory, students rotated through 3 stations where they reviewed dental anatomy, practiced injections on dental anesthesia manikins, and simulated injections on student volunteers using the Safe-D-Needle. Students completed verbal and hands-on assessments. RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of students passed the assessments on their first attempt. Course evaluations suggested the course had a positive effect on students' attitudes toward oral pain management. CONCLUSION: This educational model allowed PAs to expand their emergency medicine toolbox. In the future, this model should be adapted to incorporate other healthcare professionals as well.