The old adage “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” definitely is not the theme to this year’s RDH magazine’s Under One Roof (UOR), August 1-3. What happens in Vegas at UOR needs to go beyond Vegas to enhance the entire dental hygiene profession’s stance as the oral health educators.
The theme for this year’s program is “Your Time to Shine,” with three days of speakers and programs designed to educate and entertain hygienists to shine beyond their wildest dreams. Whether a hygienist is a newbie to the conference or an alumnus, each person will experience an incredible ride that will incorporate the latest in technology and research to assist in all aspects of dental hygiene practice.
The program begins on July 31 with a first timers welcome reception at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino. The reception will introduce new attendees to what awaits them at the conference. Previous first-timers receptions have launched participants into discussions with the program’s speakers and RDH writers, and into new friendships that last beyond the meetings boundaries. Last year’s participants who answered a survey made several statements that will make the first-timers eager about being involved.
- 99.2% of attendees learned things that will help in their careers
- 95% of attendees will do their jobs better as a result of attending
- 99.2% of attendees would recommend RDH UOR
- 95% of attendees said the event met or exceeded their expectations
Beginning Wednesday morning, three days of continuing education programs offer a vast array of credit opportunities. Programs on cariology and the uses of xylitol and other caries preventive measures, electronic health records, implantology, mental health, oral pathology, infection control, ergonomics, and oral-systemic health will be offered. Programs range from general session open admission courses to limited attendance hands-on workshops, all designed to bring the latest research and information to attendees.
The keynote speaker for 2012 UOR is Seth Mattison. Seth is a typical 20-something, trying to create an extraordinary life while maintaining a different approach to the life/work balance. He is passionate about workforce trends, social media, and the generations, particularly his millennial generation. He creates a good understanding of the generation gap between young and old workers, and how to repair it while building bridges to greater creativity and productivity. Seth will provide insights on the changing roles that the generations present in the workplace. His program “What Happens When Generations Collide” will explore the new roles that the generational differences celebrate, and will shine the spotlight on how team members can work together across generational lines.
The American Academy of Dental Hygiene will conduct its annual business meeting on Wednesday morning. The mission of AADH is to foster the continuing pursuit of education and research in the art and science of dental hygiene, provide formal recognition of excellence in the practice of dental hygiene, and recognize distinguished community service in an effort to foster improved oral health. The vision of AADH is to foster fellowship, mentorship, and leadership. AADH serves the dental hygiene profession as a course approval entity to ensure that continuing education programs meet the highest standards.
With the gold and glitter of Las Vegas as the background for UOR, hygienists will be able to learn about the new and exciting products from over 100 exhibitors. A number of exhibitors will sponsor lunches and receptions. Lunch on Thursday and Friday will be provided as part of the conference registration fee on the exhibit floor. Many exhibitors donate dental and nondental prizes for a raffle during the event.
Despite the financial commitment that attending any continuing education program entails, in 2011, UOR saw a 67% attendance increase over 2010. Attendees commented, “Best CE program in all my years of dental hygiene,” “Ignites my passion for the profession,” “A first-timer, but not a last-timer,” and “Collaborating and connecting the dental hygiene profession.” The 2012 UOR challenges hygienists to take the time to shine as the stars of our profession. Are you looking to shine?
Thought for the Month: The only time you fail is the last time you try. Anonymous RDH
Ann-Marie C. DePalma, RDH, MEd, FADIA, FAADH, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene and the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries, as well as a continuous member of ADHA.
Ann-Marie is currently a business/clinical advisor for Jameson Management, Inc., a comprehensive coaching firm and also presents continuing education programs for dental team members on a variety of topics. She is collaborating with several authors on various books for dental hygiene and can be reached at amrdh@ aol.com or [email protected].
This month’s INeedCE.com course is: Dentinal Hypersensitivity: A Review. RDH readers will receive a 47% discount when using the code ANJUN12.
Dentinal hypersensitivity is characterized by a short, sharp pain in response to stimuli. Dentinal hypersensitivity, which is more commonly seen in adults in the 20- to 40-year-old age group, has several etiological factors. Gingival recession and enamel loss both contribute to the prevalence of this condition, resulting in the exposure of dentin. Dentinal hypersensitivity is believed to occur due to the movement of fluid within the dentinal tubules occuring in response to thermal, chemical, tactile, and evaporative stimuli, in accordance with Brännström’s hydrodynamic theory. Treatment options include in-office procedures and home use, self-applied products that are aimed at either occluding the dentinal tubules or preventing neural transmission, and thereby blocking the pain response.
Past RDH Issues
