The teaching and assessment of local anaesthesia in UK dental schools

Local anaesthesia (LA) is fundamental to successful dental treatment. Graduating hygienists, therapist and dentists should be confident and proficient in delivering LA. There is one previously published article reviewing LA teaching in United Kingdom (UK) dental schools in 2016, and at this time 10 out of 14 schools allowed peer-to-peer administration. The method of teaching LA administration has become an area of debate in terms of legality and morality given the potential complications and issues with valid consent. The aim of the study was to explore current teaching practices and assessment of LA in UK dental schools.

Two national surveys (2020 and 2023) were sent out via the ABAOMS Education Committee to all 16 dental schools in the United Kingdom with dental and/or hygiene and therapy programmes.

There was a 100% response rate from all schools. There has been a significant shift from peer-to-peer administration of local anaesthesia, with only 4 schools now allowing peer-to-peer administration. The majority of schools use simulation methods to deliver the teaching, including LA models, cadavers and 'cap-on' simulation with a peer. When comparing the timing of teaching between 2020 and 2023, BDS students now administer their first LA injection to a patient later in the programme, and there has been a reduction in intra-professional teaching.

Due to the large shift away from practicing LA on peers, there is a need for further development of simulation methods given the drawbacks with current models and the limited development of haptic technology in relation to LA.