Substance use disorder affects 10-15% of U.S. adults, with many more misusing substances going unnoticed. Dental professionals, often spending significant time with patients, are in a unique position to screen and support patients, serving as the first line of defense. This course will help attendees recognize substance use disorder as a treatable medical condition and develop alternative therapies to opioids for pain control. We will discuss how this disorder progresses, the physical and psychological changes that occur, and how to communicate effectively about substance use disorder.

Ms. Shannon Brinker | 8 – 9:30 a.m. | Chairside Efficiency for the Super Assistant
Increase productivity and reduce stress in your practice when you eliminate treatment interruptions caused by disorganization. When you decrease the amount of time spent in a chair, you can increase the time spent on the things that matter. Learn how to get your practice back on track with a process that will save you time and money. You can run a profitable and health code compliant dental practice with proven systems that are easy to implement. Reset your practice and get a fresh start with dental efficiency.

Ms. Lisa Mallonee | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | Life-Saving PPE Essentials: Diet, Exercise & Self Care

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As dental professionals, we are in a unique position to provide our patients with the highest degree of preventive healthcare. There has been a dramatic shift in lifestyle habits over the last year. Masks, face shields, gloves, glasses and expensive air filtration systems in our dental offices help guard/protect us at work but what we do outside of our dental operatories to maintain our bodies and health should be a key priority in each of our lives.

Lunch is on your own from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Dr. Mark Hyman  | 12 – 1:30 p.m. | The High-Impact Private Practice Dental Assistant

Learn how to capitalize on other skills to improve the productivity of your practice and the quality of the service your team provides. Discover systems you can implement today to lower stress, prevent burn out, and increase your enjoyment of dentistry. Review clinical cases from the doctor and team perspectives. Debate the fact: communication is a wonderful thing. You should try it sometime. Employ systems to lower stress and prevent burnout.

Ms. Stephanie Botts | 1:30 – 3 p.m. | Top 5 Ergonomic Mistakes in the Op

This course empowers dental clinicians to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through practical ergonomic strategies.  We will review five common ergonomic mistakes and offer solutions to improve physical and mental well-being for a sustainable career.

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.

Prevent yourself from having musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through practical ergonomic strategies. Learn five common ergonomic mistakes and develop solutions to improve your physical and mental well-being for a sustainable career. Investigate ways to maintain neutral posture to reduce strain and injury risk. Learn to incorporate microbreaks to ease physical strain while optimizing patient positioning to maintain neutral posture. Recognize when you are twisting, reaching, and experiencing excessive pinch force so that you avoid those destructive movements.

Equip yourself with the knowledge to protect your body and enhance your well-being while delivering quality dental care!  Identify ways to optimize patient and operator positioning, understand various operatory designs with their specific benefits and challenges, and adopt stress-reduction techniques such as proper breathing, exercise, and diet. Implement techniques to downregulate your nervous system and reduce your injury risk. Learn how to integrate various fundamental ergonomic principles into your dental practice.