(PO-149) Interprofessional Intraoral Local Anesthesia Workshop for Physician Assistant Students

Author: Rochisha Singh Marwaha, B.D.S, MPH – Clinical Assistant Professor, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
Author: Jeffery L Hicks, D.D.S. – Professor, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
Author: Leticia Bland, D.H.Sc., MPAS, PA-C – Assistant Professor, UT Health San Antonio, Department of Physician Assistants
Author: William D. Hendricson, M.S., M.A. – Specialist, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
Author: Rosalie P. Aguilar, PhD, MS, BBA – Project Coordinator, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
Author: Magda delaTorre, R.D.H. M.P.H. – Clinical Assistant Professor, The University of Texas School of Dentistry at San Antonio
Author: Suman N. Challa, BDS, MS – Associate Dean for Advanced Education Programs and Strategic Initiatives, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
Submitter: Rochisha Singh Marwaha, B.D.S, MPH – Clinical Assistant Professor, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry

Objective: To assess the impact of local anesthesia (LA) training for Physician Assistant (PA) students on their attitudes, confidence, and intention to incorporate oral pain management skills into clinical practice.

Methods: The LA workshop was conducted by dental faculty and residents for PA students, which included 2 hours of didactic learning on the anatomy of the oral cavity, anesthesia and pain management. Additionally, the PA students participated in 4 hours each of pre-clinical and clinical practicum in injections for anesthesia of the oral cavity and face. A 17-item online survey was administered to 45 PA students pre and post-training to assess changes for oral pain management attitudes, confidence and intentions, which were analyzed by ANOVA with post hoc t-tests. Students’ perception of program quality was measured by a nine-item survey.

Results: The response rate for pre and post-program assessment was 96% and 100% respectively. The PA student’s overall confidence ratings for administering LA in clinical practice, comprising 7 dimensions of performance, increased significantly from 2.19 on the pre-assessment, using a 5-point scale, to 3.80 after training. However, no significant differences were noted in attitudes and intentions for future practice. The overall workshop evaluation was 4.45 on a five-point scale.

Conclusion: The LA workshop was well received by PA students and resulted in increased confidence in recognizing common oral health conditions, understanding dental pain management using local anesthesia and administering LA in clinical practice.