The Gross Anatomy Professor’s Guide to Oral Local Anesthesia
An instructor’s site has been developed to provide dental gross anatomy professors with resources that will assist in preparing dental students for local anesthesia coursework and ultimately enhance the student’s ability to anesthetize patients. The gross anatomy professor is the first link in preparing the dental student to deliver successful oral local anesthesia. Relating oral local anesthesia to head and neck anatomy is an essential clinical correlation for dental students. In a collaborative effort between anatomists, dental practitioners and local anesthesia professors, a website was developed to enhance the education and training of dental students in the area of local anesthesia. The objectives of creating and implementing this website include increasing the anatomy professor’s knowledge of oral local anesthesia as well as providing an abundant armamentarium to teach this clinical correlation effectively. This website (http://webteach.mc.uky.edu/grossanatomyguide/) provides labeled still shots of injections on cadavers and skulls with relevant text. Video segments with descriptive audio of injection techniques on both cadavers and dry skulls may also be viewed on this website. Case studies are provided by clinicians for discussions within the gross anatomy class. Using a password protected link, gross anatomy professors also may view sample exam questions relating anatomy to local anesthesia. Suggested readings are listed, for both instructors and students, regarding current and historical perspectives of local anesthesia in dentistry. The initial phase of evaluation will ask dental gross anatomy professors for formative feedback on ease of use, effectiveness of the information provided and possible additions. Revision and expansion of the site will follow. A TechExpo tabletop will demonstrate the downloadable teaching materials from the site, gage the feasibility of the innovation, and gather additional areas of improvement for both dental and dental hygiene programs.