Unlocking the Potential of Dental Hygienists: A Focus on Caries Management
Presented by Ashley Danielson, EPDH
I’m excited to explore with you the true potential we have as dental hygienists. Our job is not just about holding a scaler; it’s about making a lasting, positive impact on our patients’ oral health. Together, let’s dive deep into caries management and examine how each of us plays a crucial role in improving our patients’ oral health far beyond just clean teeth. 

Changing the Face of Oral Cancer - One Screening at a Time - Early Diagnoses Saves Lives - What You Need to Know
Presented by Kyle Isaacs, RDHEP, BHS, QOM
Sponsored By: CariFree
Close to 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 12,250 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 58,500 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than other more commonly recognized cancers, mainly due to late-stage discovery and diagnosis. We have pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies, and more to detect other cancers, but we do not have a standardized screening for oral cancer. The visual and tactile screening provided by dental hygienists, combined with referrals to the correct providers for biopsy, is the current standard of care. The first step dental hygienists can take is to get comfortable doing a thorough oral cancer exam on every patient, no less than annually and, better yet, at each appointment.

5:00-7:00 PM President’s Reception

Join us after the last session of the day for the President's Reception for light hors d'oeuvres, and enjoyable networking!

Saturday, November 2, 2024

7:00-8:00 AM

Registration

8:00-10:00 AM Breakouts

What’s New and What to Review in Clinical Pharmacology
Presented by Ann Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH
All dental professionals encounter patients with complex medical histories who take multiple medications, many of which have oral complications and drug interactions of significance to dentistry.  The purpose of this course is to provide clinicians with practical guidance about the information needed to support decision-making with treating medicated, medically complex dental patients safely.  Commonly prescribed medications, including their indications/contraindications and relevant systemic and oral side effects will be reviewed.  Other topics include changes to the American Heart Association guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis, indications for common blood thinners, and managing patients with polypharmacy.

Infection Control Hot Topics
Presented by Jen Hawley Price, MAS, MS
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of dental infection control in this interactive and engaging session! We're going beyond the textbooks to tackle hot topics like dental unit waterlines and cross-contamination with a hands-on approach that makes learning both fun and practical. Join us as we explore the latest and greatest in infection control techniques, uncover common pitfalls, and arm yourself with tools to keep your practice running smoothly and safely. With interactive discussions, real-world scenarios, and lively activities, you'll leave with a fresh perspective on maintaining top-notch hygiene standards and protecting your patients. 

Shaping the Future: Attributes of Effective Clinical Instructors in Dental Education
Presented by Jessica August, MSDH, CDA, RDH, FADHA
 This course is designed for dental hygiene and dental assisting educators committed to shaping the future of clinical instruction. Participants will explore the attributes of effective clinical instructors, focusing on advocacy, education, and innovation. Through engaging discussions, educators will refine their clinical teaching skills and develop strategies to create supportive, dynamic learning environments that foster student engagement and excellence. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to advocate for best practices in clinical instruction, inspire the next generation of dental professionals, and implement teaching methods that promote both student success and professional growth. This course empowers dental educators to embrace innovation in clinical education, enhancing their teaching approaches and elevating the overall student learning experience

10:00-10:30 AM

Exhibits & Networking

10:30 AM-12:00 PM Breakouts

EPDH Speaker Panel: How Expanded Practice Dental Hygienists are Storming the Dental Delivery Model & Redesigning Systems of Care
TBA
This is a 1 ½ hour panel course highlighting innovative Expanded Practice Dental Hygienists in Oregon. Each hygienist on the panel is practicing at the top of their scope of licensure. Using a question-answer/moderator/panel format, attendees will hear examples of what a career as an Expanded Practice Hygienist looks like in Oregon. Attendees will hear from hygienists working in hospitals, school-based health centers, school sealant programs, medical centers, behavior healthcare, and more. 

Pediatric Dentistry – Tips and Tricks for the Hygienist including Restorative Techniques
Presented by Michelle Stafford, DDS, Pediatric Dentist and Alicia Moore, RDH, Restorative Hygienist
With increased recognition of the importance of the Age One First Dental Visit, it is expected that more general dentists and their hygienists will be in a unique position to examine the young children of their current adult patients and families or use the familial relationship to recommend visiting a pediatric dentist. This course will discuss incorporating more children into a dental office by utilizing their hygienists’ skills. We will present various behavior management techniques along with anticipatory guidance and Caries Risk Assessment for the adolescent patient. We will offer the current recommendations for radiographs on children and examples on why panoramic radiographs are so important. We will discuss how to best utilize a restorative hygienist to complete common dental procedures on children with an emphasis on giving safe and effective anesthetic. We hope that all hygienists will find techniques and tricks they can take with them and integrate these skills into their daily dental practice.  

Transitioning From Student to Dental Professional
Presented by Marti Santizo, RDH, MBA, FADHA 
You’ve spent years in school, reading, studying, completing prerequisites, core courses, pre-clinic, clinic, rotations, practicing, practicing and practicing your classroom knowledge and clinical skills, then it happens….. you graduate! The transition from student to practicing dental professional can seem abrupt, even after years of preparation. Making a smooth transition from the college campus to the “real world” of your first dental hygiene position can be difficult. This program is designed to focus on the value of continuing education, available resources regarding evidence-based dentistry and career options. NOTE: This is a course that Marti Santizo can present for your students when she visits your school. Marti will also talk about other course available from Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals that she can present for your students. 

12:00-1:30 PM

Awards Presentation Luncheon

1:30-3:00 PM Breakouts

Impact of Undiagnosed TMD and Sleep Apnea on Oral Health: Recognition, Communication, and Treatment Strategies
Presented by Maryam Motlagh, DMD, FICCMO
This comprehensive course explores the significant impact of undiagnosed Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and sleep apnea on oral health. Attendees will delve into the interconnectedness of occlusion, airway, and TMD, understanding how these conditions affect periodontal health and the longevity of dental restorations. Through an in-depth review of patient case studies and the latest scientific protocols, participants will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and effectively communicate findings to patients. The course will also cover strategies for educating patients and provide resources for referral or treatment within their own practice. 

Dust off that Laser: the benefit of using a diode in your hygiene operatory
Presented by Kim Pratt, RDH
This course will cover the basics of laser physics and how the laser interacts with cellular structures.  We will discuss the different procedures which lasers can be used as an adjunct and the appropriate coding process. 

Get Inspired: AI Solutions to Empower the 21st Century Dental Educator
Presented by Mónica Sarmiento, DT, RDH, EPDH, MNL,  Melody McGee, MBA, RDH, EPDH, and Holly Erenfeld MSDH, RDH, EPDH
Time is often described as the most valuable universal commodity. This holds true in academia, as dental educators continuously navigate how to prioritize and balance their professional roles and responsibilities. The 21st-century dental educator can strategically engage and leverage emerging 2 technologies to counteract the demands on time and support their various roles within academia. During this session, participants will be provided with an overview of artificial intelligence tools, considerations for ethical and responsible use, practical application examples, and an opportunity to engage in collaborative discussions aimed at empowering the dental educators of tomorrow.

3:00-3:15 PM

Exhibits & Networking

3:15-4:45 PM Breakouts

What Makes a Good Dental Clinician?
Presented by Renee Alexandre, RDH, BS and Ilya Babiy, RDH, MS, EPP
What do you think makes a good dental hygienist or dentist? What do our professional associations say about this? Licensed clinicians (dentists and RDHs)? What about patients? And why does it matter? Renee and Ilya will share findings from various sources that studied attributes of dental clinicians and what key stakeholders have to say about them. Members of the audience will be encouraged to participate and engage in discussion so that multiple perspectives are heard and shared. 

Licensure Portability & the DDH Compact
Presented by Lisa Rowley, RDH, MS
License portability is the ability to take your qualifications for licensure in one state and use them to practice in another state. Other health care professions have developed interstate compacts that allow them to have practice privileges in multiple states. This course will provide an overview of the DDH Compact that has been developed by the Council of State Governments and discuss how you can advocate for this legislation in Oregon.  

This Year We Have an Exciting Opportunity for You to Have a Professional Headshot Taken at the ODHA Conference!

 
Christina Tselnik is an RDH, Dental Educator, and owner of Christina Tselnik Portraits. "Being photogenic is not required: You will enjoy your experience and you will love your portrait!" The bookings are 5 – 10 minute time slot increments from 7:30-11:00 am and from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 at the ODHA Conference in Salem.

After you have Registered for the Conference, your acknowledgment of Registration will have the link to Christina’s website where you will schedule your time slot for the photograph. The Portrait fee will be $99 and Christina is generously donating $5 from every portrait to ODHA.

New this year at the ODHA Conference: “PRINTED ON SITE” TO OFFER FOR SALE CUSTOM HOODIES, TANKS, TEES AND MORE!

There will be a handful of designs to choose from, and you can customize your garment to your liking. The Team of skilled professionals ensures that every step of the customization process is seamless and hassle-free.

From choosing the right design and color to adding logos or slogans, they will work closely with you to bring your Dental Hygiene visions to life.

Thank you to our Friday Lunch Exclusive Sponsor!