Vasiliki (Vanessa) Boka

Lecture details
Local anesthesia is a cornerstone of pain control in pediatric dentistry. Its effectiveness, both in children and adolescents, is influenced by multiple anatomical, physiological, psychological and pharmacological factors. Age-related differences in bone density, nerve anatomy and tissue permeability can significantly affect anesthetic diffusion and success rates. In addition, factors such as inflammation, anxiety, fear, previous dental experiences, and the child’s level of cooperation play a critical role in anesthetic efficacy. Pharmacological variables, including the choice of anesthetic agent, concentration, vasoconstrictor use, injection technique and other factors, further contribute to variability in clinical outcomes.

In recent years, new approaches to local anesthesia in children have been developed with the aim of improving efficacy while reducing pain, anxiety and adverse effects. These include the use of computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery systems, which allow slower and more controlled injection, and intraosseous anesthesia as alternatives to conventional methods. Understanding the factors that influence local anesthesia and integrating modern anesthetic techniques can enhance pain management, improve cooperation and contribute to a more positive dental experience for children.
CV
Vasiliki (Vanessa) Boka, DDS, MSc, PhD
Assistant Professor of Paediatric Dentistry

Dr Vasiliki (Vanessa) Boka is an Assistant Professor of Paediatric Dentistry at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and a specialist in Paediatric Dentistry. She received her dental degree from AUTH and completed her postgraduate training in Paediatric Dentistry at the same institution. She holds a PhD from ACTA, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Dr Boka has authored more than 20 publications in national and international journals and has delivered over 40 presentations at scientific conferences. She is a Board Member of the Hellenic Society of Paediatric Dentistry and an active member of the EAPD and IAPD.

Lecture details
Local anesthesia is a cornerstone of pain control in pediatric dentistry. Its effectiveness, both in children and adolescents, is influenced by multiple anatomical, physiological, psychological and pharmacological factors. Age-related differences in bone density, nerve anatomy and tissue permeability can significantly affect anesthetic diffusion and success rates. In addition, factors such as inflammation, anxiety, fear, previous dental experiences, and the child’s level of cooperation play a critical role in anesthetic efficacy. Pharmacological variables, including the choice of anesthetic agent, concentration, vasoconstrictor use, injection technique and other factors, further contribute to variability in clinical outcomes.

In recent years, new approaches to local anesthesia in children have been developed with the aim of improving efficacy while reducing pain, anxiety and adverse effects. These include the use of computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery systems, which allow slower and more controlled injection, and intraosseous anesthesia as alternatives to conventional methods. Understanding the factors that influence local anesthesia and integrating modern anesthetic techniques can enhance pain management, improve cooperation and contribute to a more positive dental experience for children.
CV
Vasiliki (Vanessa) Boka, DDS, MSc, PhD
Assistant Professor of Paediatric Dentistry

Dr Vasiliki (Vanessa) Boka is an Assistant Professor of Paediatric Dentistry at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and a specialist in Paediatric Dentistry. She received her dental degree from AUTH and completed her postgraduate training in Paediatric Dentistry at the same institution. She holds a PhD from ACTA, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Dr Boka has authored more than 20 publications in national and international journals and has delivered over 40 presentations at scientific conferences. She is a Board Member of the Hellenic Society of Paediatric Dentistry and an active member of the EAPD and IAPD.