Are dental hygienists allowed to administer local anesthesia in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, dental hygienists are permitted to administer local anesthesia, but they must first complete a state-approved course specifically designed for this purpose. This course ensures that dental hygienists have the necessary training and knowledge to safely and effectively perform the procedure. The state recognizes the importance of proper training in administering local anesthesia due to the potential risks involved, including the management of complications and understanding anatomical considerations.

The requirement for completion of a state-approved course distinguishes the scope of practice for dental hygienists in New Jersey, ensuring that they are adequately skilled and knowledgeable to perform this task safely. This is an important aspect of maintaining patient safety and adherence to the standards of dental practice in the state. Therefore, the correct understanding is that without this specialized training, dental hygienists would not be authorized to administer local anesthesia.