2023 Hygiene Courses

Why do gums bleed?  The Impact of Sugar on Systemic Health

COURSE BY Trisha O’Hehir

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

How often do you see patients with 5mm pockets that bleed, despite your best efforts at oral hygiene instructions?  The old brushing and flossing message may not be enough in today’s high carbohydrate environment.  Learn how sugar/flour impacts periodontal disease by feeding oral bacteria and by complicating the immune response.  Dental hygiene visits will soon incorporate diet coaching to improve oral as well as systemic health.

How often do you see patients with 5mm pockets that bleed, despite your best efforts at oral hygiene instructions?  The old brushing and flossing message may not be enough in today’s high carbohydrate environment.  Learn how sugar/flour impacts periodontal disease by feeding oral bacteria and by complicating the immune response.  Dental hygiene visits will soon incorporate diet coaching to improve oral as well as systemic health.

Attendees Will Learn:

  • Understand the false premise supporting the low-fat diet.
  • Learn the truth about sugar’s role in oral and systemic health.
  • Understand the role of the sugar industry in covering up vital information. 
  • Initiate conversations with patients about hidden sugars.
  • Recognize the role of dental professionals in diet coaching.

Attendees Will Learn:

  • Understand the false premise supporting the low-fat diet.
  • Learn the truth about sugar’s role in oral and systemic health.
  • Understand the role of the sugar industry in covering up vital information. 
  • Initiate conversations with patients about hidden sugars.
  • Recognize the role of dental professionals in diet coaching.

So you think you can Scale: The How, The What, and The Why

COURSE BY Dr. Joy D. Void-Holmes

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

In the past, the goal of periodontal therapy focused solely on the reduction of probing depths and the removal of calculus. Current treatment strategies must expand beyond these goals to include meaningful reduction of oral inflammation to stave off the corresponding systemic inflammatory cascade. Identifying patient-specific treatment modalities that incorporate an armamentarium that addresses clinically detectible deposits and microscopic etiology without causing damage to the periodontium is paramount.  Periodontal techniques and guidelines for treatment have changed over the past few decades, yet many clinicians are still providing care using dated theories and practices.  In this course, participants will discover current paradigms related to diagnosing and treating diseases of the periodontium. A discussion on innovative technology designed to achieve greater treatment outcomes and enhance the patient experience will be had. The basic principles of manual and ultrasonic instrumentation will be revisited along with a review of current design concepts that replace unnecessary and counterproductive actions with the most effective actions to achieve clinical excellence. Attendees will walk away with increased knowledge and confidence in their treatment practices and have a greater appreciation for their value as oral health care professionals.

In the past, the goal of periodontal therapy focused solely on the reduction of probing depths and the removal of calculus. Current treatment strategies must expand beyond these goals to include meaningful reduction of oral inflammation to stave off the corresponding systemic inflammatory cascade. Identifying patient-specific treatment modalities that incorporate an armamentarium that addresses clinically detectible deposits and microscopic etiology without causing damage to the periodontium is paramount.  Periodontal techniques and guidelines for treatment have changed over the past few decades, yet many clinicians are still providing care using dated theories and practices.  In this course, participants will discover current paradigms related to diagnosing and treating diseases of the periodontium. A discussion on innovative technology designed to achieve greater treatment outcomes and enhance the patient experience will be had. The basic principles of manual and ultrasonic instrumentation will be revisited along with a review of current design concepts that replace unnecessary and counterproductive actions with the most effective actions to achieve clinical excellence. Attendees will walk away with increased knowledge and confidence in their treatment practices and have a greater appreciation for their value as oral health care professionals.

Learning Objective:

  • Examine current periodontal theory and the paradigm shift concerning the objectives of nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
  • Explain the core concepts of the AAP staging and grading guidelines.
  • Assess current techniques, products, and guidelines established for the management of diseases of the periodontium.
  • Describe how manual and ultrasonic instrument design impact the delivery of dental hygiene therapy with a special emphasis on root morphology, positioning, advanced fulcrum techniques, stroke character, and lateral pressure.
  • Implement the proper use of manual and ultrasonic instruments for the effective removal of calculus deposits and plaque biofilm.
  • Examine the benefits of using a hybrid hand instrument to increase scaling efficiency.
  • Replace repetitious, unnecessary, and counterproductive scaling actions, with effective actions to achieve clinical excellence and greater patient outcomes.

Learning Onjective:

  • Examine current periodontal theory and the paradigm shift concerning the objectives of nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
  • Explain the core concepts of the AAP staging and grading guidelines.
  • Assess current techniques, products, and guidelines established for the management of diseases of the periodontium.
  • Describe how manual and ultrasonic instrument design impact the delivery of dental hygiene therapy with a special emphasis on root morphology, positioning, advanced fulcrum techniques, stroke character, and lateral pressure.
  • Implement the proper use of manual and ultrasonic instruments for the effective removal of calculus deposits and plaque biofilm.
  • Examine the benefits of using a hybrid hand instrument to increase scaling efficiency.
  • Replace repetitious, unnecessary, and counterproductive scaling actions, with effective actions to achieve clinical excellence and greater patient outcomes.

Healthy Mouth Healthy Mind

COURSE BY Anne O. Rice, RDH, BS, FAAOSH, CDP

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

Over 46 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease starting in their brains silently. The disease begins as many as 20-30 years before symptoms of memory loss appear and opportunity abounds for prevention. Optimizing lifestyle is imperative and using multi-disciplinary approaches that include us-dental providers yields the best results. In this program attendees will learn evidence-based, safe ways to not only live longer lives but better lives, encouraging a longer Brain span. The focus will be spent on the relationship between periodontal pathogens and the herpes virus leading to a cascade of events related to cognitive decline. Taking care of our brains takes perseverance but the rewards can last a lifetime. How we live our lives today impacts our tomorrow. You’ll be challenged and revered for your role as a healthcare provider and clearly understand how your talents not only change patients’ lives but may very well save them from one of the most tragic diseases we’ve ever known.

Over 46 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease starting in their brains silently. The disease begins as many as 20-30 years before symptoms of memory loss appear and opportunity abounds for prevention. Optimizing lifestyle is imperative and using multi-disciplinary approaches that include us-dental providers yields the best results. In this program attendees will learn evidence-based, safe ways to not only live longer lives but better lives, encouraging a longer Brain span. The focus will be spent on the relationship between periodontal pathogens and the herpes virus leading to a cascade of events related to cognitive decline. Taking care of our brains takes perseverance but the rewards can last a lifetime. How we live our lives today impacts our tomorrow. You’ll be challenged and revered for your role as a healthcare provider and clearly understand how your talents not only change patients’ lives but may very well save them from one of the most tragic diseases we’ve ever known.

Learning Objective:

  • Understand Alzheimer’s disease and its association with different etiologist and pathophysiological processes including the role of oral bacteria, yeast, and the herpes virus.

  • Discover how heart health, hearing loss, genetics, insulin resistance, diet, exercise and sleep impact the risk for cognitive decline.

  • Utilize current preventive strategies to reduce your own personal risk and then relate that information to your family, co-workers, and patients.

Learning Objective:

  • Understand Alzheimer’s disease and its association with different etiologist and pathophysiological processes including the role of oral bacteria, yeast, and the herpes virus.

  • Discover how heart health, hearing loss, genetics, insulin resistance, diet, exercise and sleep impact the risk for cognitive decline.

  • Utilize current preventive strategies to reduce your own personal risk and then relate that information to your family, co-workers, and patients.

For Mature Audiences Only…Breaking the Myths About Using Fluoride Varnishes and Tooth Creams with Our Patients Who Are “Too Sensitive.”

COURSE BY Dr. William Paveletz

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

We know the importance of using fluoridation with our kids when their teeth are developing but do we stress the importance with our adult population? The use of fluoride varnish benefits both younger and older patients. With our aging population, their sensitivity is brought on by hot and cold beverages, certain foods, sweets, or even brushing certain areas of their dentition. Sometimes the patient cannot explain what caused the sensitivity in the first place! Dentists and hygienists tend to treat with typically established procedures that deliver minimal results, or they can offer state-of-the-art formulated products achieving remarkable results. This course discusses Nano and ORMOCER® technologies as they relate to today’s preventative protocols for patients with moderate to high-risk patients with sensitivity issues.

We know the importance of using fluoridation with our kids when their teeth are developing but do we stress the importance with our adult population? The use of fluoride varnish benefits both younger and older patients. With our aging population, their sensitivity is brought on by hot and cold beverages, certain foods, sweets, or even brushing certain areas of their dentition. Sometimes the patient cannot explain what caused the sensitivity in the first place! Dentists and hygienists tend to treat with typically established procedures that deliver minimal results, or they can offer state-of-the-art formulated products achieving remarkable results. This course discusses Nano and ORMOCER® technologies as they relate to today’s preventative protocols for patients with moderate to high-risk patients with sensitivity issues.

Learning Objective:

  • Understand Nano and OROMOCER® technologies as they relate to today’s preventive desensitizers, tooth creams, and fluoridation procedures used in combating patients’ hypersensitive complaints and symptoms.
  • Understand the proper use of dental caries assessment forms (both ADA and CAMBRA) to explain to their patients the need for fluoridation treatments.
  • Evaluate moderate to high-risk patients and be able to address alternative fluoridation therapies.
  • Discuss appropriate methods to reduce caries risk and explain strategies for the r treatment of carious lesions.
  • Gain an understanding of groundbreaking results that contribute to the evidence of the application of varnish with chemotherapeutic fluoride treatment.
  • Understand how to discuss options with your patient how to better manage their sensitivity and pain issues that occur when they neglect their oral health.

Learning Objective:

  • Understand Nano and OROMOCER® technologies as they relate to today’s preventive desensitizers, tooth creams, and fluoridation procedures used in combating patients’ hypersensitive complaints and symptoms.
  • Understand the proper use of dental caries assessment forms (both ADA and CAMBRA) to explain to their patients the need for fluoridation treatments.
  • Evaluate moderate to high-risk patients and be able to address alternative fluoridation therapies.
  • Discuss appropriate methods to reduce caries risk and explain strategies for the r treatment of carious lesions.
  • Gain an understanding of groundbreaking results that contribute to the evidence of the application of varnish with chemotherapeutic fluoride treatment.
  • Understand how to discuss options with your patient how to better manage their sensitivity and pain issues that occur when they neglect their oral health.
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Medical History Front and Center – Oral Pathologies as Manifestations of Systemic Conditions

COURSE BY Sherri M. Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

Completing a thorough medical history is an imperative step in the dental process of care. An examination of oral lesions that are manifestations of systemic diseases will be discussed in this course. Expand your reasoning as we look at lesions and oral changes, deciphering the systemic conditions they are evidence of. Etiology, clinical appearance, and treatment options of both common and uncommon conditions are included, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration with other health professionals. Dental professionals with keen eyes for these lesions/changes and the conditions they are associated with can elevate both patient and employer appreciation.

Completing a thorough medical history is an imperative step in the dental process of care. An examination of oral lesions that are manifestations of systemic diseases will be discussed in this course. Expand your reasoning as we look at lesions and oral changes, deciphering the systemic conditions they are evidence of. Etiology, clinical appearance, and treatment options of both common and uncommon conditions are included, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration with other health professionals. Dental professionals with keen eyes for these lesions/changes and the conditions they are associated with can elevate both patient and employer appreciation.

Learning Objective:

  • Discuss the importance of current oral pathology knowledge when conducting intra/extra-oral exams.
  • Describe oral symptoms of various systemic conditions as presented in cases.
  • Compare/contrast lesions that can be considered in a differential diagnosis for each pathologic entity.

Learning Objective:

  • Discuss the importance of current oral pathology knowledge when conducting intra/extra-oral exams.
  • Describe oral symptoms of various systemic conditions as presented in cases.
  • Compare/contrast lesions that can be considered in a differential diagnosis for each pathologic entity.

Man vs. Microbiota -The Evolution Story of the Human Microbiome

COURSE BY Katrina M. Sanders, MEd, BSDH, RDH, RF

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

This program is about a love story, two billion years in the making, between prokaryotic bacteria who began the process of human biology and disease in an impactful way.  Over a spectrum of time, the human microbiota as we understand it has experienced an evolution developed from a myriad of influences.  The result: an ever-changing imbalance of bacterial colonies primed for disease. Across infancy, youth, puberty, adulthood and senior life cycles, our bodies experience physiological changes that guide diversity shifts in our microbiota.  What’s more: these shifts can create either a balanced and healthy environment or an inviting landscape for imbalance leading to disorder, illness, and disease.  As the prevalence of oral disease continues to escalate, dentistry is called upon to study and better understand the delicate role of microflora imbalance on successful patient outcomes. Join periodontal hygienist Katrina M Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF as she explores the evolutionary process of the human microbiota, identifying the dramatic shifts in human physiology and societal trends that have deeply influenced the human microbiome as we understand it today.  Discover how dental professionals have the ability to direct and modify the diversification and organization of the human microbiome to promote health and wellness once again. 

This program is about a love story, two billion years in the making, between prokaryotic bacteria who began the process of human biology and disease in an impactful way.  Over a spectrum of time, the human microbiota as we understand it has experienced an evolution developed from a myriad of influences.  The result: an ever-changing imbalance of bacterial colonies primed for disease. Across infancy, youth, puberty, adulthood and senior life cycles, our bodies experience physiological changes that guide diversity shifts in our microbiota.  What’s more: these shifts can create either a balanced and healthy environment or an inviting landscape for imbalance leading to disorder, illness, and disease.  As the prevalence of oral disease continues to escalate, dentistry is called upon to study and better understand the delicate role of microflora imbalance on successful patient outcomes. Join periodontal hygienist Katrina M Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF as she explores the evolutionary process of the human microbiota, identifying the dramatic shifts in human physiology and societal trends that have deeply influenced the human microbiome as we understand it today.  Discover how dental professionals have the ability to direct and modify the diversification and organization of the human microbiome to promote health and wellness once again. 

Learning Objective:

  • Discover the unfolding of the human microbiota over two billion years, exploring the evolutionary lifespan of the human microbiome.
  • Describe the biological functions influencing dysbiosis of the microbiome.
  • Discuss case selection in integrating an immersive approach to balancing the oral microbiota.
  • Examine pragmatic care modalities aimed to provide a symbiotic microbiome and promote a state of health.

Learning Objective:

  • Discover the unfolding of the human microbiota over two billion years, exploring the evolutionary lifespan of the human microbiome.
  • Describe the biological functions influencing dysbiosis of the microbiome.
  • Discuss case selection in integrating an immersive approach to balancing the oral microbiota.
  • Examine pragmatic care modalities aimed to provide a symbiotic microbiome and promote a state of health.

Probiotics: History, Genus, and Application

COURSE BY Heather Rogers, BSDH

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

Probiotics have gained steady popularity in holistic and conventional medical applications.  In two hours, we will define probiotics, discuss their history, and cover examples and treatment modalities, especially the newer generation “oral” products.  I’ll also give examples of when not to use these good bacteria and demonstrate how they work to prevent dental disease in the mouth.

Probiotics have gained steady popularity in holistic and conventional medical applications.  In two hours, we will define probiotics, discuss their history, and cover examples and treatment modalities, especially the newer generation “oral” products.  I’ll also give examples of when not to use these good bacteria and demonstrate how they work to prevent dental disease in the mouth.

Learning Objective:

  • Define probiotics.
  • Discuss the history of probiotics.
  • Give examples of probiotic bacteria.
  • Talk about the dangers of the use.
  • Specifically discuss the dental application.

Learning Objective:

  • Define probiotics.
  • Discuss the history of probiotics.
  • Give examples of probiotic bacteria.
  • Talk about the dangers of the use.
  • Specifically discuss the dental application.

When, Why, and How to Refer to a Periodontist – Panel Discussion

COURSE BY Dr. Thomas J. Kepic

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

There are many misconceptions today regarding the referral of a patient to a specialist. In this presentation, Dr. Kepic will clarify when it is reasonable to treat and keep the patient in the general dentist’s office. He will also review the process as to when it is appropriate to seek the advice of a periodontist.

There are many misconceptions today regarding the referral of a patient to a specialist. In this presentation, Dr. Kepic will clarify when it is reasonable to treat and keep the patient in the general dentist’s office. He will also review the process as to when it is appropriate to seek the advice of a periodontist.

Learning Objective:

  • List the clinical findings that are key to arriving at a definitive diagnosis.
  • Review the important intraoral radiographic findings and cone beam images.
  • After determining an accurate diagnosis, describe the etiology, and prognosis.
  • List all treatment options and then arrive at the best treatment approach.
  • Are you the one with the clinical expertise to deliver this treatment?
  • Once treatment is rendered, how does one determine if the results were satisfactory?
  • How does one tailor the maintenance phase?
  • How to determine the philosophy of the periodontist and how do develop rapport?

Learning Objective:

  • List the clinical findings that are key to arriving at a definitive diagnosis.
  • Review the important intraoral radiographic findings and cone beam images.
  • After determining an accurate diagnosis, describe the etiology, and prognosis.
  • List all treatment options and then arrive at the best treatment approach.
  • Are you the one with the clinical expertise to deliver this treatment?
  • Once treatment is rendered, how does one determine if the results were satisfactory?
  • How does one tailor the maintenance phase?
  • How to determine the philosophy of the periodontist and how do develop rapport?

Don't let peri-implantitis get you twisted! Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Peri-implant disease

COURSE BY Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS & Susan Wingrove RDH, BS

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

Implant complications have many factors; patient-, site-, and fixture related, that convey risk of future peri-implant diseases. They factors should be addressed, if possible, prior to implant placement to reduce overall incidence of peri-implant disease. Once complications are identified, clinicians need to detect early signs of implant complications and provide individualized implant maintenance, home-care recommendations, and provide peri-implant treatments.

Implant complications have many factors; patient-, site-, and fixture related, that convey risk of future peri-implant diseases. They factors should be addressed, if possible, prior to implant placement to reduce overall incidence of peri-implant disease. Once complications are identified, clinicians need to detect early signs of implant complications and provide individualized implant maintenance, home-care recommendations, and provide peri-implant treatments.

Learning Objectives:

  • Assess risk factors for peri-implantitis and identify high and low-risk patients before, during, and after implant placement and restoration.
  • Identify and implement patient-centered, customized supportive therapy to reduce rates of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis in patients with dental implants.
  • Develop strategies to identify biofilm-associated implant disease and put into practice a five-step protocol to assess and monitor dental implants.
  • Discuss the importance of preventive strategies for peri-implantitis including maintaining good oral hygiene, dental implant maintenance, and elimination of risk factors.

Learning Objectives:

  • Assess risk factors for peri-implantitis and identify high and low-risk patients before, during, and after implant placement and restoration.
  • Identify and implement patient-centered, customized supportive therapy to reduce rates of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis in patients with dental implants.
  • Develop strategies to identify biofilm-associated implant disease and put into practice a five-step protocol to assess and monitor dental implants.
  • Discuss the importance of preventive strategies for peri-implantitis including maintaining good oral hygiene, dental implant maintenance, and elimination of risk factors.

Flapless approach to dental implant surgery: Pros & Cons

COURSE BY Dr. Abhiram Maddi

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

Conventional dental implant surgery involves raising a flap to expose the alveolar bone for implant placement. This approach increases the risk for post-surgical complications including alveolar bone loss, post-op infection, and trauma. The flapless approach to implant placement provides an alternative to the conventional approach. It has several advantages that include reduced intraoperative surgical time with the use of traditional and fixed surgical guides for multiple implant placement. A free-handed approach can also be utilized for single implants. However, the flapless approach is technique sensitive and has its limitations.

Conventional dental implant surgery involves raising a flap to expose the alveolar bone for implant placement. This approach increases the risk for post-surgical complications including alveolar bone loss, post-op infection, and trauma. The flapless approach to implant placement provides an alternative to the conventional approach. It has several advantages that include reduced intraoperative surgical time with the use of traditional and fixed surgical guides for multiple implant placement. A free-handed approach can also be utilized for single implants. However, the flapless approach is technique sensitive and has its limitations.

Learning Objectives:

  • Differences between conventional and flapless approaches of dental implant placement.
  • A step-by-step approach to flapless implant placement.
  • Case selection and requirements for flapless approach.

Learning Objectives:

  • Differences between conventional and flapless approaches of dental implant placement.
  • A step-by-step approach to flapless implant placement.
  • Case selection and requirements for flapless approach.

A new method of bone augmentation to the labio-buccal side using orthodontic movement

COURSE BY Junichi Watahiki, DDS Ph.D

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

Lecture on novel periodontal regeneration (O-PRO), a method that maximizes the effect of periodontal regeneration by orthodontic movement. Using O-PRO enables horizontal bone regeneration to the labial side of natural teeth, which was previously impossible.

Lecture on novel periodontal regeneration (O-PRO), a method that maximizes the effect of periodontal regeneration by orthodontic movement. Using O-PRO enables horizontal bone regeneration to the labial side of natural teeth, which was previously impossible.

Learning Objectives:

  • Periodontal Regeneration for Orthodontics and Orthodontist Gingival recession.

Learning Objectives:

  • Periodontal Regeneration for Orthodontics and Orthodontist Gingival recession.

Comprehensive Care and Planning for the Dental Hygienist

COURSE BY Lynn Atkinson RDH

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

The dental hygienist plays an integral role in the process of comprehensive diagnosis and delivering the treatment plan to the dentist. But how does the dental hygienist gather the necessary information, deliver and educate the patient in an efficient and effective manner? This course will introduce technology, protocols, diagnostics, and communication skills to add value to the practice and provide the patient with the highest quality of comprehensive care. Guided Biofilm Therapy, lasers, and voice-activated charting systems will be introduced with therapeutic values to the patient and practitioner.

The dental hygienist plays an integral role in the process of comprehensive diagnosis and delivering the treatment plan to the dentist. But how does the dental hygienist gather the necessary information, deliver and educate the patient in an efficient and effective manner? This course will introduce technology, protocols, diagnostics, and communication skills to add value to the practice and provide the patient with the highest quality of comprehensive care. Guided Biofilm Therapy, lasers, and voice-activated charting systems will be introduced with therapeutic values to the patient and practitioner.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the ideal comprehensive care appointment.
  • Learn how to achieve the best delivery of information and education to your patients.
  • Identify which technology and protocols to use to be effective and efficient.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the ideal comprehensive care appointment.
  • Learn how to achieve the best delivery of information and education to your patients.
  • Identify which technology and protocols to use to be effective and efficient.

Risk Factors for Peri-Implant Diseases: The Elephant in the Room

COURSE BY Dr. Dwayne Karateew

COURSE DESCRIPTON:

With the evolution of bioactive (rough) implant surfaces, we have witnessed a concomitant rise in the occurrence of peri-implantitis. While the surface itself is not to blame, it certainly expedites the transformation of a biofilm into an active disease process with the loss of peri-implant bone. A review of the etiology of peri-implant diseases as well as associated risk factors and diagnostic disease indicators will be discussed. The efficacy of suggested treatment protocols will be reviewed with case examples of both positive and negligible outcomes demonstrated.

With the evolution of bioactive (rough) implant surfaces, we have witnessed a concomitant rise in the occurrence of peri-implantitis. While the surface itself is not to blame, it certainly expedites the transformation of a biofilm into an active disease process with the loss of peri-implant bone. A review of the etiology of peri-implant diseases as well as associated risk factors and diagnostic disease indicators will be discussed. The efficacy of suggested treatment protocols will be reviewed with case examples of both positive and negligible outcomes demonstrated.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand that the rise in Peri-Implant diseases was co-incident with the use of biologically active implant surfaces.
  • Review the major risk factors associated with Peri-Implant diseases.
  • Develop an appreciation for the success rate of Peri-Implant Disease therapy.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand that the rise in Peri-Implant diseases was co-incident with the use of biologically active implant surfaces.
  • Review the major risk factors associated with Peri-Implant diseases.
  • Develop an appreciation for the success rate of Peri-Implant Disease therapy.
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