Author

Kathy Bassett, RDH, MEd

Kathy Bassett, RDH, MEd, is a professor emerita of dental hygiene at Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington, and an affiliate professor in the Department of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle. A national and international lecturer, Bassett writes frequently on local anesthesia and is a coauthor of Local Anesthesia for Dental Professionals.

At a Glance

Enhance Patient Comfort With Buffering

Apr 18, 2025

Comfort is key to providing compassionate and effective dental care. While advances have been made in the pharmacology of local anesthetic (LA) drugs, buffering improves safety, efficacy, and comfort. LA drug solutions are acidified…

Online Exclusive

An In-Depth Look at the Role of Dental Hygienists in Administering Local Anesthesia

May 31, 2023

Most states allow dental hygienists to perform this important clinical function but controversy remains.

Latest CE Courses

Broadening Clinical Perspectives on Inferior Alveolar Nerve Blocks

Feb 15, 2023

In addition to the conventional Halsted inferior alveolar nerve block and two well-known alternatives, this discussion will examine key features of other mandibular block techniques and short needle approaches.

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Perspectives on Buffered Articaine in Dentistry

Jun 7, 2022

Using buffered articaine offers several clinical advantages in dental pain management.

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Current Perspectives on Articaine in Dental Anesthesia

Mar 11, 2022

This hybrid agent offers distinct benefits over other local anesthetic drugs.

Latest Features

Update Your Approach to Local Anesthesia

Mar 5, 2019

Local anesthesia administration is a source of dental phobia, but clinicians willing to retrain their dogma will find learning new skill sets may enhance the patient experience.

Pain Management

Rescuing Failed Inferior Alveolar Nerve Blocks

Jun 1, 2018

The use of periodontal ligament injections can help overcome failed blocks and/or accessory innervation.

Latest Features

Update on Maximum Local Anesthesia Dosages

Dec 11, 2017

Adhering to U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines will support patient safety and comfort during dental treatment.

Latest Features

Advantages of Computer-Controlled Anesthesia

Dec 6, 2016

Fluid pressure and tissue type play key roles in successful pain management when utilizing this form of anesthesia delivery.

Latest CE Courses

Utilization Standards for Local Anesthesia Delivery by Nondentists

Nov 8, 2016

Even though dental hygienists have been administering local anesthesia for more than 40 years, there is still no consensus on national education standards or utilization guidelines.

Author

Kathy Bassett, RDH, MEd

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