Crushing Candy: Pandemic Mental Health Strategies and Beyond!
An acknowledgement of the impact of mental well-being of both dental professionals and their patients has been growing and accelerated even more in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 4 people deal with mental health issues world-wide…and the numbers are growing. According to recent trends, people have become more accepting of mental conditions, reducing the negative stigma in the process. Despite this, many people continue to fear sharing their condition with others. In turn, this further promotes neglect and general lack of understanding regarding mental health. Dental healthcare providers are in a unique position assist patients (and themselves) in understanding the basics regarding mental health. This interactive session will introduce attendees to foundational information and science regarding mental health and well-being.
#Top Trending Topics in Dentistry
Today more than ever consumers are being ‘educated’ through social media, home shopping networks and the press regarding not only the latest and greatest oral health technologies and products, but ‘news’ debunking long standing oral hygiene practices. From oil pulling to magic solutions that cure tooth decay; to apps that connect with power toothbrushes, to whitening in minutes, it seems that there is something for every oral condition that is faster, easier and painless. This high energy session with explore the top trending topics that impact dental hygiene practice (is there sufficient research to support daily use of dental floss?!). A review of research related to these innovations will be included and attendees will have the opportunity to consider their value and importance to achieving optimal oral health.
Yes! There’s an App for That!
Now more than ever, consumers are utilizing app technology to track health and fitness. The benefits of utilizing app technology have proven very beneficial in achieving goals, tracking habits/activities and providing key educational content. Additionally, there are apps that will assist clinicians in various areas of the dental hygiene experience. From education to motivation, this session will overview apps for patient use as well as those for use by clinicians.
Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice
In 2008 the American Dental Hygienists’ Association adopted the Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice. This seminar will review the Standards as well the 2011 American Academy of Periodontology Comprehensive Periodontal Therapy guidelines. A review of each set of guidelines will confirm processes of care as well as defining professionalism.
Time to Toss the Floss?
How many times have you told people you are dental hygienist, only to have them tell you “I FLOSS!” When surveyed consumers agree the most frustrating part of the dental hygiene visit is this question. Research has confirmed that only 2 – 10% floss regularly and effectively. With this dismal statistic the seminar will review the history and research of string floss for interdental health. Are there other equally effective or more effective methods? Is it time to ‘toss the floss’? This interactive session will empower you to consider other options that will increase patient health and satisfaction!
Paradigms vs. Reality: Implementing Emerging Preventive & Therapeutic Protocols into Practice
The practice of dental hygiene and preventive practice has changed over the past 25 years. Emerging sciences have led to key understanding of new methods to prevent and treat both caries and periodontal disease. This session will overview the ever changing paradigms surrounding the practice of dental hygiene with emphasis on evolving preventive & therapeutic protocols.
The Periodontic/Orthodontic Connection: Maximizing Success with the Orthodontic Patient!
Orthodontic therapies are no longer confined to the adolescent population and as such the role of the dental hygienist in patient education has grown significantly in recent years. This course will review the exciting science of bio-adaptive therapy; a process of working with nature and the body to move teeth while maximizing periodontal health and minimizing invasive procedures such as tooth extraction or palatal expansion. A review of current tooth movement sciences will be included as well as methods to maximize oral health during therapy. Bio-adaptive research, results and adult options will be included as well as the role of the dental team in orthodontic treatment planning and case success. The session will also overview CAMBRA as well as products and strategies designed to maximize hard and soft tissue during orthodontic therapy. Considerations for pre, during & post therapy phases will be presented.
Calcium, Phosphate & Fluoride: Essential Strategies for Success!
This interactive session will overview the various calcium phosphate systems and technology. Calcium and phosphate (CP), in addition to fluoride, are essential building blocks for remineralization; as a result new research has demonstrated that adding CP to professional and take home products have impacted caries prevention as well as hypersensitivity. This program will cover CP systems and the related products on the market place. In addition, the mechanism of action will be discussed as it relates to remineralization, desensitization and enhanced whitening results. An overview of reality based clinical applications will be included.
Yoganomics: Postural Health & Ergonomic Considerations for the Dental Clinician (Lecture Session)
This course overviews the benefits of yoga in postural health and sound ergonomic practices essential in maintaining optimal clinician health. A review of ergonomic standards will include OSHA, ADA and CDC resources and incorporate specific methods to enhance ergonomic clinical positioning and techniques to prevent repetitive stress related injuries. In addition, yoga research as it relates to postural and total health will be presented as well as the impact of yoga on the various body systems. Participants will also be introduced to the various styles of yoga practice and basics including specific yoga practices designed to maximize postural health.
Tooth Whitening: From Chairside to Chewing Gum!
The rapidly expanding options for tooth whitening, both in-office and over-the-counter, are generating professional discussion and interest regarding system differences, safety, efficacy and convenience. This program will review the beginnings of tooth whitening, its art, science, and current research as well as present the latest information about whitening options from in-office systems all the way to chewing gum. In addition, protocols for pre-whitening clinical procedures, post-whitening clinical considerations and maintenance will be presented. This session is ideal and a MUST for the entire dental team!
Fresh Breath Assurance: A Patient Centered Approach (2 hour program)
This course is designed to give the dental professional the tools necessary to expand treatment options of the preventive appointment. Social and aesthetic factors are the primary motivation behind successful daily oral hygiene. Today’s dental hygienist needs to understand options to enhance aesthetics and to address social concerns such as oral malodor. In addition, this session will present total health issues that are relevant and impacted by oral disease. This seminar is ideal for the progressive clinician.
Accelerated Periodontal Instrumentation: Fast Tracking Clinical Success!
Accelerated periodontal instrumentation, also known as full-mouth disinfection, represents a new and innovative approach to non-surgical periodontal therapy. This fast paced & interactive session will overview accelerated instrumentation protocols also known as full-mouth disinfection. Researchers continue to explore fast tracking quadrant scaling and root planing phases from 6 weeks to days and most adjunctive research also includes this type of approach. Participants will evaluate their current treatment modalities and establish plans for implementing accelerated instrumentation. In addition, modifications for the protocol will be discussed including pain control options, use of locally applied antimicrobials, tongue disinfection, and daily care products options. Replace ‘burn out’ with success through this strategic process of care!
The Principles of Aesthetic Dental Hygiene: A Patient Centered Approach for the Dental Team (3-4 hour course)
The course is designed to give the dental professional the tools necessary to expand treatment options of the preventive appointment. Social and aesthetic factors are the primary motivation behind successful daily oral hygiene. Today’s dental hygienist needs to understand options to enhance aesthetics and to address social concerns such as oral malodor. In addition, this session will present total health issues that are relevant and impacted by oral disease. This seminar is ideal for the progressive clinician.
Infection Control and the Dental Team: Reducing Your Occupational Risk
This session is designed for licensed dental professionals to meet continuing education requirements mandated by the Dental Board of California in the area of infection control. Additionally, a review of the newly issued CDC guidelines for Infection Control in Dentistry will be presented as well as the differences in these guidelines vs. federal/state OSHA regulations. Finally, the session will include review of methods to control occupational transmission of blood borne pathogens, personal protective equipment and vaccinations available to prevent disease.