Local Anesthesia by the Tennessee Dental Hygienist

  • Hybrid

    This course includes online lessons to be completed prior to the hands-on clinical portion of the course.

  • CE

    This course provides 38 hours of continuing education credit.

  • Board Approved

    This course is approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to meet the Local Anesthesia Administration certification requirements for Registered Dental Hygienists.

    • Course Fee

      $1200
    Come Learn With Us!

    Choose Your Class

    This course includes online lessons to be completed prior to the 8-hour hands-on clinical portion of the course. View our current course offerings and select the date and location that works for you!

    There are limited seats available for each class. You can view the number of available seats on the checkout page. 

    Enrollment will close 2 weeks prior to the hands-on date or once the class is full.


    You must be logged in to your existing account or create an account to enroll.

    Chattanooga Area

    Friday
    October 24, 2025
    • Time: 
      8:00 AM EDT
    • Instructor: 
      Dr. Amy Cooper
    • Location: 
      951 Riverfront Parkway
      Suite 101
      Chattanooga, TN 37402

    Chattanooga Area

    Friday
    December 5, 2025
    • Time: 
      8:00 AM EDT
    • Instructor: 
      Dr. Amy Cooper
    • Location: 
      951 Riverfront Parkway
      Suite 101
      Chattanooga, TN 37402

    Waiting List

    Don't see a date that works for your schedule?

    Additional classes will be available soon. Keep watch, or place your name on the waiting list and we will contact you as soon new dates are open for enrollment.

    More Course Dates Coming Soon!

    Sorry, all of our Tennessee Local Anesthesia classes are full at this time. Additional classes will be available soon. Keep watch, or place your name on the waiting list and we will contact you as soon as new dates are open for enrollment.

    Private Course Inquiry

    Does your office have multiple hygienists that need to enroll in this course?

    Do you have a team of five or more dental hygienists who need Local Anesthesia Administration certification? We offer private courses tailored to your office’s schedule and needs!

    With our private course option, your team can:
    • Train together in a familiar setting
    • Choose a schedule that works best for your office
    • Receive the same high-quality instruction as our regularly scheduled courses
    Don't have five hygienists?
    No problem! You can still host a course at your office by opening it up to other local professionals. We’ll help promote the session and manage enrollment so you can still enjoy the convenience of on-site training.

    Host a private course!

    To learn more or to schedule a private course, complete the form below. We'll be in touch!

    Frequently asked questions

    Is this course approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry?

    Yes! You will receive 38 total hours of continuing education credit when you take this course. These hours include 30 hours of online didactic coursework and an 8 hour in-person clinical session. 

    Do I need to be registered as a dental hygienist in the state of Tennessee to take this course?

    Yes, you must be registered and have a valid registration number. If you take this course prior to being fully licensed (pending licenses are not permitted), the course will not be accepted by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry!

    Is this course accepted by other states?

    It depends on the state. To be sure, contact other state boards of dentistry.

    Do I need to contact the Board of Dentistry?

    Yes! The form you must send to the Board is available after you complete the course.

    How is the course organized?

    The course has a didactic portion and a clinical portion. The didactic portion accounts for 30 hours and the clinical portion accounts for 8 hours of the 38 hours of CE credit. The didactic portion of the course is divided into topics with each topic containing multimedia presentations and practice tests. In addition, there will be learning activities that should be performed in the office to help you master the material.

    What will we be doing during the clinical portion?

    After reviewing the online material, you will be practicing the administration of all the major local anesthetic injections until clinical competency is obtained. Injections include the posterior, middle and anterior superior alveolar, the greater palatine, the nasopalatine, the inferior alveolar, the long buccal, the mental, and supraperiosteal/infiltration.

    What do I need to do after completing the course?

    After successfully completing the course, you must to contact the Tennessee Board of Dentistry and apply for a local anesthesia externship. During the externship, you will administer a minimum of 44 different injections in a dental office under the direction of the practicing dentist.

    What materials do I need to bring to the clinical portion of the course?

    Bring clinical attire including safety glasses, masks, latex-free gloves, lab coat, close-toed shoes. In addition, bring three sterilized anesthetic syringes and 1-2 sterilized mouth mirrors.

    Do I need to bring a patient to the clinical portion?

    No, you do not need to bring a patient unless there is a reason you cannot receive local anesthesia. You will give and receive injections as a student partner. Please contact the instructor if there is a question.

    Where will the clinical portion of the course be held?

    The clinical portion is held in different locations across the state. The dates and locations are posted above. 

    What type of computer equipment will I need?

    Any computer with an internet connection will be adequate for this course, but a high speed internet connection for your computer is highly desirable.

    How much does the course cost?

    The fee for the course is $1200.

    How do I pay for the course?

    Payment is easy. Clicking the "Enroll" button will take you to the checkout page to purchase the course. PayPal and all major credit cards are accepted. You can pay immediately using PayPal, a safe and reliable online payment program. You do not need a PayPal account to use your own credit card. 

    What is your refund policy?

    We understand that plans can change. You can find our refund policy in Section 3 of our Terms and Conditions.

    How do I register for the course?

    Click the "Enroll" button on the course location/date you would like to attend. Complete the purchase of the course. You will be able to begin the online lessons immediately after purchase.

    Do I need to purchase a textbook or other study material?

    The textbook used for this course is:
    Handbook of Local Anesthesia, 7th Edition
    Author: Stanley F. Malamed
    Paperback ISBN: 9780323676861
    eBook ISBN: 9780323582094

    We recommend purchasing a copy instead of renting so that you will have a copy to refer back to as needed in the future. You may use older editions of the book, just keep in mind that the page numbers for the reading assignments will not be accurate for older editions. 

    What will I learn?

    After completing this course, you will be able to:
    1. Appreciate the philosophy and psychology of local anesthesia,
    2. Evaluate patient medical histories and physical status including measurement of vital signs,
    3. Recognize indications and contraindications for use,
    4. Identify anatomical landmarks that pertain to administration,
    5. Understand the physiology of nerve conduction,
    6. Understand the pharmacology of local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors,
    7. Select and prepare proper armamentaria,
    8. Record local anesthetic procedures and complications,
    9. Manage medical and legal complications,
      Recognize and manage post-injection complications,
    10. Manage reactions to injections,
      Employ infection control techniques including disposal of sharps,
    11. Administer local anesthetic agents with emphasis on technique, aspiration, slow injection, minimum effective dosage,
    12. Prevent, diagnosis and manage medical emergencies,
    13. Recognize, manage and treat toxic reactions to local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors,
    14. Recognize, manage and treat allergic reactions to local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors,
    15. Recognize, manage and treat drug interactions with local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors,
    16. Calculate highest safe dose based on patient weight and/or age,
    17. Recognize the need for reinjection,
    18. Administer local anesthesia by infiltration,
    19. Administer local anesthesia by nerve blockage,
    20. Monitor patient physical status while under the effects of local anesthetics.

    Course Info:

    Credits: 38 CE hours (30 didactic, 8 clinical)
    Course Type: Self-Instruction, Lecture, Participation
    Location: Hybrid (Online and In-Person)
    Original Course Release Date: 2024
    Last Review Date: March 31, 2025
    Date of Next Review: March 31, 2026
    AGD Subject Code(s): 340 Anesthesia and Pain Management
    Course Provider: Dent ED Online
    Course Confilcts of Interest: None

    Meet Your Instructor

    Write your awesome label here.

    Dr. Amy Cooper

    Dr. Amy Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with honors, both from Presbyterian College. She earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2005. From that point until 2021, she operated her own private practice in Charleston, SC, delivering compassionate, patient‑focused care.

    In 2018, Dr. Cooper began channeling her dedication to education by joining Trident Technical College in Charleston as an instructor in their dental hygiene and assisting programs. After relocating to Chattanooga, TN, she continued her teaching journey by joining Chattanooga State Community College in 2023 as a part‑time adjunct faculty member in both the assisting and hygiene programs. Alongside teaching, she maintains part‑time work in private practice.

    Dr. Cooper also leads community wellness initiatives as the lead fitness instructor at SPENGA Chattanooga, where she combines her love of health, movement, and education. Outside of professional life, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and dogs. She looks forward to providing a thorough, engaging, and fun educational experience to all her students and colleagues.

    What We Offer

    What's included in this online course?

    Current evidence-based curriculum

    Our faculty's expertise will help you become an expert in the techniques of local anesthesia.

    Study at your own pace

    You can enroll in this course prior to the hands-on date and study at your own pace. All online material must be completed prior to the hands-on date.

    Unique learning experience

    You will not learn just by watching many hours of videos. We are offering interactive courses with small lessons and quizzes to improve your knowledge.