Abstract: A device for anesthetizing a patient (12) during normally painful medical procedures, such as various dental treatments, performed in the area of the patient's jaw and mouth regions. A TENS apparatus (10) having a hand control device (34) comprises the apparatus invention and is employed in practicing the method. The apparatus includes a slide control bar (36) which can be operated by the patient (12) to vary the amount of current being generated by the TENS apparatus (10). The attending dentist can utilize adjustable stops (38) for regulating the range of current flow which the patient (12) can induce. Further, the apparatus (10) employs uniquely designed electrodes (18, 18') for attachment to the hand (20) and face (22), respectively, of the patient (12). The facially applied electrode (18') is affixed externally to afford an accessible work path to the attending dentist.