By ANN-MARIE C. DEPALMA
Anniversaries are always special times for celebration. Traditionally, each year can be marked with a special gift. For 15 years, gifts of crystal and watches are appropriate. It is hard to imagine that on July 28-30 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, we will be celebrating the 15th year of RDH Magazine's Under One Roof (UOR) conference! From its humble beginnings in 2001, UOR has grown to be the predominant dental hygiene continuing education and vendor affair in the profession. Crystals and watches are appropriate to recognize the educational and networking opportunities that will be found at this year's meeting. From networking sessions, to hands-on workshops, to the included general sessions, there will be something for every hygienist. With events that sparkle like crystals and provide attendees with plenty of time to understand the science and research of our profession, dental hygienists will have much to celebrate.
Why should you make the investment of your time and money in attending? Here are just a few reasons:
- Obtain up to 20 CEU credits over the three days
- Reignite your passion for dental hygiene
- Have programs and vendors specifically geared to your wants and needs
- Receive a lot for your dollar - registration, general sessions, networking events, and food/drinks on Friday and Saturday - workshops for only an additional $10/CE hour
With apologies to those speakers and programs that cannot be listed here because of space, these are some shining choices at this year's program.
Mentors are important to any profession and career path. How does one find a mentor and grow in dental hygiene beyond the clinical operatory? Join Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, BA, MS, as she opens the 2016 UOR with a special session on Wednesday, July 27, called "Evolve Your Dental Hygiene Career." The program will explore the mentor relationship and assist you in elevating your career. Meet hygienists who are excited to become your mentors as you travel along your dental hygiene journey. From there, join the UOR meeting kick-off event and party-learn how to make the most of your time at UOR while enjoying the first of a number of social and networking events.
As in previous years, RDH UOR is not only about educating hygienists, but also about educating the public about dental hygiene and oral health. This year's Dental Impact project, led by Noel Kelsch, RDHAP, BS, will explore the team approach to dealing with cancer. With cancer statistics growing yearly, this program will provide information and the skills necessary to assist any practice in meeting patients' needs as they journey through their cancer treatments and care. Survivors' stories along with hospice protocols will be intertwined and will culminate in a service project for a community cancer foundation. Be a part of something bigger than yourself and commit to giving back to the community as part of this Thursday morning workshop.
Everyone knows the dangers of tobacco, but are you knowledgeable about the effects of electronic cigarettes? Join Rachel Kearney, RDH, BS, and Rebecca Henderson, RDH, BS, at Thursday morning's general session entitled, "Electronic Cigarettes: What Do Oral Health Care Providers Need to Know?" Rachel and Rebecca will update you on the latest information on this widely expanding phenomenon that is seen across demographic boundaries.
The American Academy of Dental Hygiene will be holding its annual business meeting on Thursday afternoon. All attendees are invited to attend and learn about all the association has to offer in pursuing the art and science of dental hygiene.
Practicing clinical dental hygiene can be a pain, in more ways than one. Cindy Purdy, RDH, BSDH, CEAS, and Anne Guignon, RDH, MPH, CSP, will delve into the topic of work-related injuries based on their research on how dental hygiene can be causing you aches and pains in a Thursday afternoon workshop, "Stop the Pain! A Scientific and Hands-On Approach to Preventing the Ultimate Career Killers: Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain."
End Thursday with the Welcome Reception in the exhibit hall with a chance to network with exhibitors and colleagues as you review the day's events.
Friday morning begins with the keynote address by Colette Carlson, "Stress Less: You Management vs. Time Management!" Colette is a nationally renowned motivational speaker who will help you learn to stay calm and in control of stressful situations such as changing schedules and unrealistic workplace expectations. She will help hygienists learn how to stop multitasking and start multi-asking while beating stress and its temptations in healthy ways. Colette will have you laughing out loud as you step into the Truth Booth to create positive, long-lasting change for a successful life.
Following the keynote, Shannon Nanne, RDH, will present a Friday morning general session, "What's the Dry Idea? Caring for Those Patients with Xerostomia." Many patients suffer from dry mouth and salivary gland hypofunction due to a variety of reasons. With saliva being an integral part of speaking and eating, patients who suffer from xerostomia can benefit from the numerous products that can improve their quality of life. Learn how you can improve someone's life by participating in this interactive look at saliva.
After having lunch on the exhibit floor that is included with your registration, join Nadine Russell, RDH, BSc, in a thought-provoking look at mental health in "A Closer Look at Mental Health and Its Impact on Oral Health." With many Americans suffering from some form of mental health condition, it is vitally important for hygienists to have an understanding of how to care for these patients and recognize the issues that they face.
Many states allow dental hygienists the ability to administer local anesthesia. Margaret Fehrenbach, RDH, MS, will present "Expanding Your Local Anesthesia Options: Should I Add the AMSA or V-A Blocks to My Everyday Repertoire?" This general session will review anatomical landmarks and how block anesthesia can improve patient care.
After a fun-filled educational day, return to the exhibit floor for more networking opportunities. Following the Networking Reception, join Young Dental in the Friday Night Party! Details are yet to be determined, but surprises and entertainment will abound.
After partying, start Saturday morning off with an exciting panel discussion, "The RDH View Live! The Eight Simple Secrets to Ensuring You Are Indispensable in the Dental Practice." Join Jo-Anne Jones, RDH, Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, Kristine Hodsdon, RDH, MSEC, and Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, BA, MS, as they look at dental hygiene's hottest topics.
"It's Time to Talk About Sex in Dentistry . . . HPV and Its Link to Oral Cancer" will be presented by Lisa Dowst-Mayo, RDH, BSDH, and Sara Dowst, RN, BS. Combining a hygienist's and a nurse's perspectives on oral cancer and the role HPV plays, this program will enlighten participants on the importance of discussing a sensitive topic with patients.
Before returning home, enjoy one last lunch with fellow hygienists on the exhibit floor, again included as part of your registration fee! One of the best parts of attending RDH UOR is the networking and friendships initiated and renewed. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned alumna or alumnus, attending UOR will be one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your career. Looking forward to seeing you in July!
Thought for the month: The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.-Leonardo da Vinci RDH
"Establishing and Maintaining Oral Homeostasis: The Role of Arginine in Modulating the Oral Environment" is this month's CE course. Use the code AM416 for a 50% discount for a $29.50 course (regular price $59). This offer expires May 24, 2016.
Establishing and Maintaining Oral Homeostasis: The Role of Arginine in Modulating the Oral Environment
Regardless of the mechanism, neutralizing oral acid is a primary goal for preventing or treating caries, erosion, and candidiasis infections. Caries and erosion are classified as pH-mediated conditions. Repeated acid attacks eventually damage enamel, dentin, and cementum. Acidic pH also sets the stage for the development of oral fungal infections. A variety of situations allow the oral pH to become acidic: frequent intake of acidic foods and beverages or fermentable carbohydrates, medical conditions involving regurgitation, acidic stomach acid vapors, insufficient
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. She presents continuing education programs for dental team members on a variety of topics. Ann-Marie is collaborating with several authors on various books for dental hygiene and can be reached at [email protected].
