| The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of patients regarding the administration of local anesthesia (LA) by dental hygienists. This study used an exploratory, online, focus group design. Four focus groups were held with 18 participants, and aquestioning route wasfollowed.Three major themes were identified including: the patients’ experience,the participants’ unclear perceptions regarding the dental hygienists’ educational qualifications to administer LA, and participants’ future suggestions for dentists and legislators. Researchers concluded participants of the focus groups support dental hygienists administering LA and believed this practice increases patient-centered care. Participants believed the LA administrations skills of the dental hygienist are similar or betterthan the dentists’ skills. Dental hygienists should inform patients of their title and educational qualifications when administering LA. Furthermore, focus group participants support offices that allow dental hygienists to administer LA, and encourage laws that allow this practice.Key WordsDental hygienists, educational qualifications, legislation, focus groups, local anesthesia, patient-centered care, patient perceptions |