An Investigation into Dental Local Anaesthesia Teaching in United Kingdom Dental Schools

To review the current teaching of the use and administration of local anaesthesia in United Kingdom dental schools, along with their local guidelines and protocols.

A qualitative and quantitative questionnaire was sent to sixteen UK dental schools to probe the methods of local anaesthetic teaching within each school.

14 of the 16 schools replied and the responses show a variety of practices being taught in the dental schools. 2% Lidocaine 1:80,000 Adrenaline is the first choice local anaesthetic solution for the majority of clinical situations.

2% Lidocaine with 1:80,000 Adrenaline remains the gold standard dental local anaesthetic with teaching about its safety and uses in all but a few situations. Most are taught the use of additional aids such as safety syringes and topical anaesthesia. There is variation with regards to the use of alternative anaesthetic agents.