Contrary to popular belief, a dermatologist may not be the first person to detect skin cancer. In the US two people die of skin cancer every hour. Due to the nature and proximity of our clinical examinations, we can detect abnormal growths on our patient’s faces, necks and scalps. In this course we will learn how to recognize abnormalities, provide patients’ education for oral side effects of cancer treatments, teach prevention techniques, screen for early detection, and provide prompt treatment.

Ms. Shannon Nanne | 8 – 9:30 a.m. | Become a Hero of Dentistry and Solve the Dry Mouth Mystery!

Xerostomia is not a disease; however, it is a serious condition that is annoying, uncomfortable and caused by a disease or underlying condition. Xerostomia affects quality of life while speaking, eating or trying to sleep. Hypo-salivation can damage hard and soft tissues of the mouth while presenting a clinical challenge in the operatory. Twenty five percent of your patients suffer from this terrible affliction. Let's evaluate treatment options and provide products that work!

Ms. Amber Auger | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | Effective and Profitable Collaborative Care: Leveraging Communication between Hygienists and Dentists

Dental hygienists hold the key to your practice's success, with nearly 80% of the practice revenue coming from their chairs. This program aims to develop a foundation for exceptional leadership skills to create a true partnership with the dental hygienist. This program will encourage a unique method of partnership to transform employees into practice stakeholders.

Ms. Stephanie Botts | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Perfect Posture Mechanics

Dental professionals are at high risk for unique musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to repetitive movements, poor positioning, and static postures. Explore how proper ergonomics can enhance productivity, reduce pain, and extend your career. Learn techniques, stretches, positioning, and equipment choices that enable pain-free practice and improve overall work satisfaction!

Lunch is on your own from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. 

Mrs. Connie Kugel | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Ultimate Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is easy, rewarding and profitable. Dental hygienists and assistants may not think they need a whitening refresher course, but do you know how to answer these common patient questions: How long does it last? Can it hurt my teeth? What about sensitivity? And your own questions: How does tooth whitening work? Should I offer chairside or take-home materials? Are they worth it? Do the over-the-counter whitening products work? How does “whitening toothpaste” work? Let’s assess the pros and cons of tooth whitening!

Dr. Ashleigh Briody | 2:30 – 4 p.m. | Interesting Clinical Cases 

This program will take you on a tour of interesting cases seen in a busy pathology practice. We will discuss how the diagnosis is rendered as well as management.

Failure to diagnose oral cancer is one of the top malpractice lawsuits and is becoming more prevalent with the increase in incidence of oral cancer. For this reason, effective screening techniques have become a very important component of our clinical exam. Several factors, such as history of tobacco use, alcohol use and/or prior head and neck malignancy are significant contributory factors in the risk of developing cancer. This course will discuss patient risks, screening, early detection and its positive influence on outcomes. 

Examination of mucosal changes, periodontal inflammation, bleeding and general condition of teeth may allow for early diagnosis and treatment of a systemic condition. Medical conditions and diseases can create oral side effects and complications, including xerostomia, candida infections, stomatitis, mucositis and burning mouth syndrome. These complications can interfere with nutrition, function, overall health and quality of life. Return to your practice ready to implement strategies and treat these conditions with a better understanding of the underlying medical etiology.