October is National Dental Hygiene Month! It’s our time to celebrate the work we do and promote the importance of oral health access for all! All month long we’re sharing informative digital content, hosting an amazing live event in Stamford, CT and streaming online, posting trivia and giving away prizes from ADHA and goodies from our partners and National Dental Hygiene Month sponsor Colgate® Oral Pharmaceuticals Inc. Follow us @youradha!
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Sign up for a complimentary product bundle!
A special thank you for National Dental Hygiene Month! Dental hygienists are invited to sign up to receive a new offering from Colgate® which may include professional product samples. Bundles will ship in early 2025.
Weekly Winner!
We’re pulling names each week to win a $50 gift card from ADHA! One entry per person. Can only win once. Must be 18.
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WEEK 4: DO OR DRY – XEROSTOMIA
An 84-year-old male presented for a routine prophylaxis and disclosed a complex medical history. Examination and clinical assessments reveal a new oral lesion and increased bleeding upon probing. Individual remarked having a dry mouth from his CPAP machine. His chief complaint is obtaining a refill for whitening trays.
What factors contribute to xerostomia?
How does xerostomia impact periodontal hard and soft structures?
What factors contribute to oral lesions on the soft palate & tongue?
What comorbidities are associated with OSA?
WEEK 3: RDH INVESTIGATES PODCAST
Episode 147, Released October 8, 2024
Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA
Guests: Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC and Phyllis Martina, RDH, MBA, FADHA
Dental hygienists are oral health detectives – expertly investigating, identifying and advising. Matt, Amanda and Phyllis discuss importance of hygienists’ investigative expertise and their unique role in uncovering signs, identifying issues, and recommending treatment and products to their patients.
WEEK 2: DIY ORTHODONTIA
A 21-year-old female patient presented for a routine prophylaxis. Examination and clinical assessments reveal mobility, sensitivity, and erythematous gingival tissue on maxillary central incisors. For several years she had repeatedly applied rubber bands to her own teeth to attempt to close a diastema.
What factors contribute to bone loss of the periodontium?
What factors contribute to worsening oral health?
What is plaque biofilm’s role in periodontal disease progression?
How does bruxism impact periodontal hard and soft structures?
Why is Stage IV Grade C periodontitis so concerning in a 21-year-old?
WEEK 1: ONCOLOGY PATIENT CASE
Alex is a middle-aged patient who recently completed chemotherapy. She reports oral discomfort, and her salivary flow test reveals significantly reduced saliva production. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is being considered as part of her treatment plan.
What could be causing these symptoms?
What are the possible implications?
What toothbrush and interdental care products would be best?
What are benefits and potential drawbacks of SDF for her?
RDH INVESTIGATES LIVE!
Occurred Saturday, October 19, 2024
8:00 AM – 3:45 PM | 5.0 CE credits
Stamford, CT & Livestream | 5.0 CE credits
Recording available soon!
SPEAKERS
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- Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH
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- Bernice Dabrowski-Iwinski, BSDH, RDH
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- Dr. Cameron Shahbazian, DMD, MBA
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- Christine Ochsner, RDH, MBA
PROGRAM
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Colgate Welcome & Networking Reception (optional)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:15 – 10:45 AM | Patient Case + Q&A (1.5 CE)
Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH
Caries Management with Fluoride
Explore the science behind fluoride’s caries-preventive properties, including its mechanisms of action and the latest research supporting its efficacy. Learn about factors influencing caries, how to assess patient risk using CAMBRA, and receive guidance on selecting and applying fluoride products for personalized prevention strategies in clinical practice.
10:45– 11:00 AM | BREAK
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Patient Case + Q&A (1.5 CE)
Bernice Dabrowski-Iwinski, BSDH, RDH
Critical Role of Professional Dental Care and Dental Homecare to Retain Dentition
Dental hygienists face barriers like access to care and patient compliance. This case demonstrates how diverse homecare methods are crucial to oral health outcomes. Despite dental challenges, regular hygiene visits and proper homecare preserved the patient’s dentition. This highlights the importance of balancing patient needs with achievable goals, showcasing how personalized care and consistent hygiene practices can overcome obstacles to maintain oral health.
12:30 – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 PM | Patient Case + Q&A (1.5 CE)
Dr. Cameron Shahbazian, DMD, MBA
Optimizing Your Bleaching Workflow: Practice Management Solutions and Patient Assessments When Using Colgate Optic White
Dental bleaching is something we encounter at the office, CVS, even on T.V. The question is, when to do it and should we do it? Which product best suits our needs and our patients? Learn to stitch a workflow to bring a comprehensive view to the operatory and apply clinical judgement and transparency for patients to make an informed decision
3:00 – 3:30 PM | Colgate (0.5 CE)
Christine Ochsner, RDH, MBA
Using Business Decisions to Make Patient Recommendations
3:30 – 3:45 PM | Colgate: Closing Remarks
3:45 PM | Program Concludes
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Volunteer during National Dental Hygiene Month!
In partnership with Colgate® Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) program, the IOH Foundation is offering nationwide volunteer opportunities throughout October. These are fun events for students and licensed dental hygienists to give back by serving communities in need! View volunteer shift dates, locations, and hours at eight BSBF mobile units across the U.S.
