Pediatric medical emergencies and anesthesia: Prepared, not panicked

Administering local anesthesia to pediatric patients is one of the most anxiety-provoking transitions for dental hygienists—especially when clinical training focuses primarily on adults.

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists , hosts Jessica Atkinson, RDH, and David Torres, RDH, welcome pediatric hygienists Lindsay Richmond, RDH, and Brittnee Thibault, RDH, to share practical, experience-driven strategies for safe and positive anesthesia delivery in children.

From calculating maximum doses and selecting appropriate injection types to using child-friendly language and distraction techniques, the conversation explores how behavior management, communication, and clinical preparation intersect in pediatric care. The guests also address parent dynamics, managing clinician stress, and building trust with young patients over time.

Whether you’re new to pediatrics or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers actionable insights to help create calmer appointments and better experiences for children, families, and dental teams.

Episode highlights

• Why pediatric anesthesia feels so different than adult injections—and how to bridge that gap fast

• Safety first: dosing and anatomy considerations that matter most in pediatrics

• How to choose the right approach when a child needs to be numb (without over-numbing)

• Chairside communication strategies that reduce fear and build cooperation

• Behavior guidance techniques that help kids stay still—and keep the appointment moving

• Parent dynamics: how to keep the operatory calm when adults are anxious too

• The mental game: staying steady as the clinician when your nerves spike

• What “preparation, not panic” looks like in real pediatric schedules