Whiter Shade of Pale: Dental Hygienist's Role in Tooth Whitening

Description of Course:
Tooth whitening now offers a quick and safe means of improving a patient's appearance and oral health. The dental hygienist's role in tooth whitening includes a knowledge of the process and options for this opportunity. Importantly, the dental hygienist must also understand patient education and selection of this process. This course will provide a specific dental hygiene treatment plan that includes tooth whitening.

This newest course by an Oral Biologist and former NW Regional Clinical Trainer discusses the following topics for dental hygienists:

  1. •Etiology of Tooth Stains and Types

  2. •Process of Tooth Whitening

  3. •Treatment Options for Tooth Whitening

  4. •Patient Selection and Education

  5. •Whitening Abuse

  6. •Integration of Tooth Whitening into the Dental Practice

  7. •Scheduling Requirements for Tooth Whitening Options

  8. •Dealing with Complications of Tooth Whitening (oral cancer, caries?)

  9. •Case Scenarios taken from Private Practice Situations

  10. •See related newsletter.

After taking this newest course, the dental hygienists should be able to:

  1. •Understand the etiology of tooth stains and describe the different types.

  2. •Discuss the process of tooth whitening.

  3. •Identify the treatment options for tooth whitening.

  4. •Incorporate tooth whitening into patient education discussion.

  5. •Complete the medical history of a patient concerned with tooth whitening.

  6. •Complete the dental history of a patient concerned with tooth whitening.

  7. •Understand the integration of tooth whitening into the dental practice and how to deal with complications due to tooth whitening.

  8. •Form and provide a specific dental hygiene treatment plan that includes tooth whitening.


BACK TO TOP


Not So Sweet:
Treating the Compromised Diabetic Dental Patient

Description of Course:
Many dental professionals will encounter oral manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus. This course provides a discussion of the disease's medical background, as it explains why it is important to understand the possible oral effects of this chronic disease, and also suggests steps to take in establishing a dental treatment plan for the diabetic patient.

This course discusses the following topics:

  1. •Etiology and main types

  2. •Risk factors and symptoms

  3. •Treatment and complications of diabetes

  4. •Emergencies associated with diabetes and its treatment

  5. •General and oral considerations for a diabetic patient

  6. •Specific dental treatment plan for the diabetic patient.


After taking this course, the dental professional should be able to:

  1. •Discuss the etiology and main types of diabetes mellitus.

  2. •Recognize the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes.

  3. •Identify the treatment and complications of diabetes.

  4. •Discuss the emergencies associated with diabetes and its treatment.

  5. •Understand and document the general and oral considerations for a diabetic patient.

  6. •Form a specific dental treatment plan that includes and integrates the general and oral considerations of a diabetic.

  7. •See related newsletter


BACK TO TOP



Getting Older and Keeping Better:
Mature Women's Oral Health Needs

Description of course:
Studies show that while women tend to take better care of their oral health than men do, women's oral health is not markedly better than men's. This is because hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's life can affect many oral tissues. This course will give an overview of the perimenopausal and menopausal period of time for mature women. Discussion will center on the changes anticipated in the oral cavity during this transition time. Post breast cancer care will be discussed, as well as updated information on xerostomia, burning mouth syndrome, TMD, menopausal gingivostomatitis, osteoporosis, and elder abuse.  The controversy over the role of Hormone Replacement Therapy will also be covered. Related resources from literature and the Internet will be included. The goal is for the participant to be able to alter a dental hygiene treatment plan so that will be tailored to the mature woman's changing oral health needs.

This course discusses the following topics for dental hygienists:

  1. •Overview of Gender Issues in Dentistry

  2. •Considerations for Dental Hygiene Treatment

  3. •Perimenopausal and Menopausal Periods

  4. •Dental Concerns Associated with Transitional Period

  5. •Post Breast Cancer Care 

  6. •Update on Oral Health Concerns

  7. •Hormone Replacement Therapy (latest information)

  8. •Research and Role of Dental Hygienist

  9. •See related newsletter.

After taking this course, the dental hygienist should be able to:

  1. •Gain an understanding of the gender issues in dentistry.

  2. •Increase the understanding of the concerns of the population in regards to dental interventions.

  3. •Understand the differing periods in a mature woman's life.

  4. •Discuss post breast cancer care as it relates to dentistry.

  5. •Discuss hormone replacement therapy and its latest role in women's health.

  6. •Form a dental treatment plan geared to the mature women's life.

  7. •Locate reference sources for information on the mature women's and their dental concerns.

  8. •Integrate the knowledge concerning the mature women into their dental care.


BACK TO TOP



Margaret showing palpation skills to seminar participants

All Hands on Deck!
Advanced Patient Assessment Skills

Description of Course:
This course will review the head and neck anatomy necessary for a patient assessment, both intraorally and extraorally. Handouts will include figures and tables of related information. There will also be a discussion of assessment technique and lesion description so that the participant can easily perform the examinations.

This course by Oral Biology Textbook Author discusses the following topics for dental hygienists:

  1. •Review of Surface Anatomy and Regions of the Head and Neck with references by Illustrated Anatomy of Head and Neck, Fehrenbach and Herring, 4 ed, Saunders, 2012, and Chapter: Extraoral and Intraoral Clinical Assessment, Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Darby and Walsh, 3 ed, Saunders, 2010

  2. •Review of Lymphatic System

  3. •Patient Assessment Technique

  4. •Lesion Description and Method with references by referenced by Oral Pathology for Dental Hygienists, Ibsen and Phelan, Chapters Co-Authored by Fehrenbach, 5 ed,  Saunders, 2008

  5. •Patient Self- Examination Procedures

  6. •Actual Case Scenarios taken from Private Practice Situations are Presented for Integration of Information.


*** Clinical Hands-On Demonstration Workshop Available of Intraoral and Extraoral Examinations ***

After taking this course, the dental hygienist should be able to:

  1. •Define and pronounce all anatomical terms.

  2. •Understand the anatomy of the head and neck, including the lymphatics.

  3. •Discuss patient assessment technique used by dental professionals.

  4. •Discuss the methods for lesion description.

  5. •Integrate the knowledge of head and neck anatomy, patient assessment techniques, and lesion description during patient examinations.

BACK TO TOP


Pump It Up!!!
Blood Pressure Issues in the Dental Office

Description of Course:
Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure and it is estimated that 1 in every 4 American adults has high blood pressure or around 50 million. Once it develops, it usually lasts a lifetime.  We can make a real difference in our patients lives, taking their blood pressure and then have them understand the changes they may need to make.

This course discusses the following topics for dental professionals:

  1. •Background on this important vital sign

  2. •Complications for high blood pressure

  3. •Various levels of blood pressure

  4. •Communication skills for relaying information on blood pressure

  5. •Types of medications given for high blood pressure

  6. •How to take effective measurement of blood pressure in the dental office

  7. •See related newsletter

*** Clinical Hands-On Demonstration Workshop Available for Taking Blood Pressures ***

After taking this course, the dental professional should be able to:

  1. • Describe the vital sign of blood pressure and what are its normal values. 

  2. •Recognize the need and the reasons for taking blood pressures of patient in the dental office. 

  3. •Discuss the various types of high blood pressure and what can cause it to be elevated.  Included is the new designation of prehypertension.

  4. •Communicate with our patients about how they may want to change their lifestyle to reduce their blood pressure. 

  5. •Understand the types of medications that are taken for high blood pressure. 

  6. •Effectively take and record a blood pressure reading of a patient in the dental office.

BACK TO TOP


Margaret demonstrates the correct methods for taking blood pressure to seminar participants


Not Such A Drag!
Tobacco Cessation Efforts Saves Lives in the Dental Office

Description of Course:
Tobacco use in U.S. is the leading cause of preventable death and disability and the number one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In addition it is the number risk factor for periodontal disease and is associated with 75% of oral cancers.  It is essential that dental professionals first identify those that use tobacco, and then know that even brief tobacco cessation discussion is effective. In addition, numerous effective pharmacotherapies now exist. Thus every dental patient who uses tobacco should be offered support to quit tobacco. This course can give the dental professional the tools to offer this support in the dental office.

The course by Oral Biologist and Dental Professional with experience in tobacco cessation, including 2011 State Liaison for ADHA and Tobacco Intervention Initiative ADHA Committee Member, will cover the following topics:

  1. •Burden of tobacco use

  2. •Typical protocols for tobacco cessation in the dental office use

  3. •Discussion of quitlines and pharmacotherapies for tobacco cessation

  4. •See related newsletter

  5. •See related PowerPoint Program

After taking this course, the dental professional should be able to:

  1. •Describe the burden of tobacco use, especially in its oral effects. 

  2. •Relate the present statistics for tobacco cessation. 

  3. •Outline the typical protocols for tobacco cessation that can be used in the dental office. 

  4. •Role play for varying patients when considering their history of tobacco use. 

  5. •Discuss the use of tobacco quitlines and pharmacotherapies for tobacco cessation.

  6. •Integrate the knowledge of tobacco cessation into the dental office setting.  


BACK TO TOP


Updated 1/2/2012

 

Margaret at her seminar on Risk Assessment for Chicago Under One Roof, RDH Magazine. where she got to visit with her fellow RDH listers and Mark Hartley, Editor

 

Now access Margaret's
Online Continuing Education Coursework through dentassist Online Education

Fully Updated for 2012

  1. •NEWEST COURSE-
    Knowing Your Basics: Updating of Hot Topics in Dentistry

  2. •Dental Erosion

  3. •Diabetes: The Sweet Tooth Reality

  4. •Essentials of the Geriatric Patient

  5. •Smoking & Periodontal Disease

  6. •The Oral Health of Women

  7. •Tongue Piercing: The Hole Story

  8. •Tuberculosis: Unmasking the White Plague


  1. 1.Click on "dental continuing education online".

  2. 2.Previous Users - Login
    First time Users - Register online

  3. 3.Pay with a credit card and
    download courses.

  4. 4.Take tests online and receive immediate results.

  5. 5.CE certificates will be automatically emailed to you.


Courses are approved for license renewal in all States.


Comments from Online Participants:


“This is a great tool for getting the CE courses fast, still effective.”


“Great for working into my time schedule.”


“Overall an excellent course(s) and I appreciate the ability to do this online. Thank you!”


“This course is well written and better proofread than most online course work!”

COMMENTS ON ONSITE SEMINARS FROM PARTICIPANTS

"Last summer at an outdoor neighborhood fest, our neighbor was wearing a tank top and on her upper chest, just below the neck, I noticed a small growth.  I pointed it out to her and asked if she'd had it looked at.  She hadn't, and I urged her to get it checked.  A month later we are out again, she comes up to me and thanks me for saving her life--malignant melanoma.  Of course, she wanted to know why I had ever thought it looked odd, as it never had to her.   Just part of the job, I thought, and thank goodness  for those extra CE's I take on Oral Path.  So I will share the ‘THANKS’  with you."

"Great personality and speaking technique.   Subject could have been boring but speaker made it entertaining."  "The presenter was well organized and kept things moving well"  "I think the entire presentation was valuable." "Your verbal skills are as helpful as the technical ones.”

“I heard many favorable comments about your course, and would like to report that I made a clinical discovery myself due to your fine review.  I found an indurated lesion...which had a 75% chance of being cancerous, but turned out to be benign.  I don't know if I would have picked up on it so quickly if I hadn't just been to your course."

"Verbal and written comments indicate the participants thought it was a good learning experience.  As one of the participants said, 'Margaret was extremely energetic.’  Very enjoyable. " "Thank you for your knowledge and motivation." "Thanks for sharing your expertise and knowledge with us."

"We were pleased that you were able to come and be with us for the review course.  The quality of the review was exceptional!"   

"Thank you and please come back again." "This was a much needed course that should be offered regularly."  "I have been practicing dental hygiene in private practice for 17 years in general practice and I learned a lot.  Thank you!" 

"I just wanted to thank you again for your wonderful presentation. You are a special person to take the time and travel to share your knowledge with your fellow hygienists."

Margaret has presented in both the United States and Canada, at ADHA and  ADA Annual Sessions, and at the Yankee Dental Congress.  She has also presented at three past RDH Magazine’s "Under One Roof" sessions.  All onsite courses are presented with materials from her textbooks and other technical writing projects as well as extensive clinical experiences on PowerPoint format with useful handouts such as the latest ADHA Hyposalivation Tool. 

For more information on how your group may request Margaret for your future onsite seminar or to know more about the seminars listed below, contact her. Browse her updated resumé for more information on her background.  See ADHA Access Magazine Profile of Margaret.



Margaret at ADHA Annual Session speaking on the future of dental hygiene after receiving her ADHA Award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene at the President's Luncheon (see flickr show)

 

2012-2013
ONSITE SEMINARS



How Dry Am I?

Start the Discussion... Using the ADHA Hyposalivation Tool *

Description of course:

This new course covers how to use the latest risk tool, this one from ADHA on Hyposalivation with Xerstomia Tool. Be knowledgeable for your patients on the use of this tool and aid in prevention of most types of oral disease. 

Topics Covered On This Important Subject:

  1. ★ Background on the Science Behind Hyposalivation with Xerostomia

  2. ★ Background and Specific Aim of Tool

  3. ★ Using the Screening Tool in Private Practice

  4. ★ Validation of the Screening Tool- Future Concerns



Moments in Dental Science: Latest Concepts and Technology

Description of course:

This new course covers that latest concepts and technologies that are available for prevention to dental hygiene providers. It is an ever-changing course based on what is NOW new and useful for the clinician.  The course is given by an Oral Biologist  and Dental Hygiene Educational Consultant who can cover the following topics or others taken from the new updated edition of Saunders Review of Dental Hygiene, 2 ed, Saunders (as well as the pages of the latest published research), which can be BOTH exciting and useful.

Examples of Topics Covered:

  1. ★Protein in the Diet: Who Knew?

  2. ★Bad Boy Bug with New Name: And Just as Bad

  3. ★The Hidden Threat: The Thyroid Gland

  4. ★Ready or Not: Dental Office Emergency Kit

  5. ★Getting to the Heart of the Matter

  6. ★ X-ray Vision for Dental Hygienists

  7. ★Oral Cancer: Just When You Thought You Knew It All



CSI: Your City Here*: Crimes Against the Oral Cavity 
(*Case Study Investigations)

 

Description of Course:


This exciting seminar will cover the latest topics in a case study based format, using "graphic" physical evidence to solve the crimes against the oral cavity!  The participants will be given the information just as they would if they were the clinician treating the patient.  The participants will then discuss the case and collaborate on questions posed to the group by the speaker. The speaker will help moderate the discussion and then present the answers to the questions.  Questions will concern all possible aspects of dental hygiene care but mainly will concern decision-making skills and topics that have recently undergone updating. "High tech devices" will be included in the discussion. The course is given by a well-versed educator who will using for her source the new updated edition of Saunders Review of Dental Hygiene, 2 ed, Saunders (as well as from the pages of the latest published research). So solve the biggest mysteries yet known to dental hygiene care in your own backyard!

 

Objectives:


Learn the latest concepts and work with your decision-making skills by using the case study format. Review topics that are immediately useful to private practice.

 
Risky Business: Patient Risk Assessment for Periodontal Disease and Caries *

Description of course:
We want to be able to care for our patient's individual needs using evidence-based practice parameters. To be able to do this, we need to assess their individual risks for periodontal disease and caries. The latest methods of risk assessment for these main oral diseases will be covered, as well new prevention and treatment trends. The goal of the course is to be able to integrate these risk assessments into our own private practice settings.

This course by an Oral Biologist discusses the following topics for dental hygienists:

  1. •Overview of Risk Assessment in Dentistry

  2. •Risk Assessment and Periodontal Disease and Caries

  3. •Referenced by Illustrated Dental Embryology, Histology and Anatomy, Bath-Balogh and Fehrenbach, ed 3, Saunders, 2011

  4. •New Parameters in Periodontal Disease and Caries Prevention

  5. •Application of Risk Assessment to Clinical Practice

  6. •Case Scenarios taken from Private Practice Situations

  7. •Discussion about Future Trends in Periodontal Disease and Caries Treatments such as new Risk Calculators

  8. •See related newsletter for periodontal risk and caries

After taking this course, the dental hygienist should be able to:

  1. •Relate to patients and other peer professionals, the recent information on periodontal disease and caries.

  2. •Place this information clearly into patient risk assessment models for periodontal disease and caries.

  3. •Understand the new parameters in periodontal disease and caries prevention and treatment.

  4. •Apply risk assessment for periodontal disease and caries to clinical practice.

  5. •Integrate patient risk assessment into a dental hygiene treatment plan specific to each individual patient.

  6. *The group can decided to cover both periodontal disease and caries or just one topic

BACK TO TOP



Margaret (middle) with fellow state annual session presenters and RDH list serv members Patti DiGangi and Deb Grant


Scream!
UPDATES IN ORAL PATHOLOGY FOR
DENTAL HYGIENE TREATMENT PLANS

Description of Course:
This course will first review the methods for describing a lesion. The newest etiology and treatment of the most commonly encountered lesions will be also be discussed. The lesions discussed will be commonly encountered in the dental office.

The Lesions Updated and Discussed by Oral Biologist *:

  1. •Malignant Melanoma

  2. •Tongue Piercing/Grills

  3. •Xerostomia, Dental Erosion, Halitosis

  4. •Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontal Diseases

  5. •Herpes Type I and Apthous Ulcers

  6. •Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Temporomandibular Disorders

  7. •Tinnitus and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

  8. •Squamous Cell and Verrucous Carcinoma: Including Latest Risks and Diagnostic Devices

  9. •Case Scenarios taken from Private Practice Situations

  10. •Referenced by Oral Pathology for Dental Hygienists, Ibsen and Phelan, Chapters Co-Authored by Fehrenbach, 5 ed, Saunders, 2009, and by Saunders Review for Dental Hygienists Co-author, ed 2, 2009, and Chapter: Extraoral and Intraoral Clinical Assessment, Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Darby and Walsh, 3 ed, 2010

After taking this course, the dental hygienists should be able to:

  1. •Understand each lesion's etiology, clinical description, high risk groups, treatment, complications, and laboratory findings.

  2. •Discuss the recent methods of treatment of these lesions and the latest research information.

  3. •Discuss and integrate in private practice the concepts of dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment.

*The group may choose what lesions/conditions to discuss.

BACK TO TOP




Scream 2!
COMMON ORAL LESIONS IN THE GERIATRIC POPULATION

Description of course:
Statistics show that the number of aged that is 65 and older has grown. It is important for dental hygienists to understand aging in order to meet the needs of this growing population. However, there is a difference between the perceived needs and the professionally determined needs of the elderly. This course will give an overview of the aging process and discuss the common traumatic, infective, and neoplastic lesions in this population. Includes an update on elder abuse, xerostomia, and denture care. Referral process for dental care and related resources from literature and the Internet will also be covered. The goal is for the participant to be able to form a dental hygiene treatment plan geared to the geriatric population and their special needs.

This course by Oral Biology Textbook Author discusses the following topics for dental hygienists:

  1. •Overview of the Aging Process: Myths, Reality, Dental Intervention Longevity, and Dental Hygiene Treatment Planning

  2. •Referenced by Oral Pathology for Dental Hygienists, Ibsen and Phelan, Chapters Co-Authored by Fehrenbach, ed 5, Saunders, 2008, and Chapter: Extraoral and Intraoral Clinical Assessment, Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Darby and Walsh, 3 ed, Saunders, 2010

  3. •Referenced by Illustrated Dental Embryology, Histology and Anatomy, Bath-Balogh and Fehrenbach, 3 ed, Saunders, 2011

  4. •Traumatic Lesions: Attrition, Recession, Dentinal Sensitivity, Elder Abuse, Denture Irritation Hyperplasia, Gingival Enlargement, Taste Alterations, Burning Mouth Syndrome

  5. •Infective Lesions: Denture Sore Mouth (Denture Care), Cemental Caries, Xerostomia, Adult Periodontitis

  6. •Neoplastic Lesions: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Self-Examination): Including Latest Risks and Diagnostic Devices

  7. •Case Scenarios taken from Private Practice Situations

  8. •Referrals for the Geriatric Populations

  9. •Future of Geriatric Care: Research and Role of Dental Hygienist

  10. •Reference Sources for Geriatric Dental Care

  11. •See related newsletters, Part 1 and Part II


After taking this course, the dental hygienist should be able to:

  1. •Gain an understanding of the myths and reality related to the aging process.

  2. •Increase the understanding of the concerns of the geriatric population in regards to dental interventions.

  3. •Form a dental hygiene treatment plan geared to the geriatric population.

  4. •Understand each lesion common to the geriatric population: etiology, clinical description, prevention, treatment, and complications.

  5. •Update knowledge concerning elder abuse, xerostomia, and denture care.

  6. •Refer geriatric patients based on their needs and attitudes.

  7. •Discuss the future of geriatric care and the role of the dental hygienist.

  8. •Locate reference sources for information on the geriatric population and their dental concerns.

  9. •Integrate the knowledge concerning oral pathology related to the geriatric population into dental care at sites serving them.


BACK TO TOP


New Kids on the Block:
Adolescents' Oral Health Needs

Description of course:
Adolescence is a time of changes, many of which have a direct impact on the oral cavity.  These changes can include changes in diet that are related to dental erosion.  Obesity and its associated maladies, eating disorders, body image, hormonal changes, as well as tobacco use, oral piercings, third molar extractions , orthodontics, and oral care are additional issues for consideration. The goal is for the participant to be able to alter a dental hygiene treatment plan so that will be tailored to the adolescents' changing oral health needs.

This course discusses the following topics for dental hygienists:

  1. •Overview of changes involved during adolescence

  2. •Hormonal changes

  3. •Diet and dental erosion

  4. •Obesity, eating disorders, and body image

  5. •Whitening considerations

  6. •Tobacco use

  7. •Oral piercings and grills, third molar extraction,  and orthodontics

  8. •Considerations for oral hygiene care

  9. •Role of Dental Hygienist

  10. •See related newsletters on both children and adolescents.

After taking this course, the dental hygienist should be able to:

  1. •Gain an understanding of the changes encountered during adolescence.

  2. •Increase the understanding of the concerns of the population in regards to dental interventions.

  3. •Integrate the knowledge concerning the adolescent  into their dental care.

BACK TO TOP



Margaret lecturing in a smart classroom setting enjoying her love of all things techie


Better Than Before: 
Implants: Dental Hygienist's Role in Patient Care

Description of course:
As our patients mature, more and more are interested in implants for tooth replacement. It is up to us to stay current on this important topic and not allow past concerns hamper our ability to be able to discuss this positive option for tooth replacement knowledgeably as dental hygienists with our patients. Also the latest methods for implant care will be discussed.

This course by an Oral Biologist discusses the following topics for dental hygienists:

  1. •Background on implants and osseointegration

  2. •Referenced by Illustrated Dental Embryology, Histology and Anatomy, Bath-Balogh and Fehrenbach, 3 ed, Saunders, 2011

  3. •'Five Seductive Ideas' concerning implants and aging patients

  4. •Dental Hygienist's role in educating patients concerning implants

  5. •Dental Hygienist's role in a patient's treatment plan for implant cases

  6. •Latest oral hygiene methods for implant care.


After taking this course, the dental hygienist should be able to:

  1. •Relate to patients and other peer professionals, the recent information on implants and osseointegration.

  2. •Understand the risks and complications associated with implant placement in certain patient populations.

  3. •Discuss the myths surrounding implant placement in an aged population.

  4. •Apply the principles related to patient education on implants.

  5. •Assist in forming and carrying out specific patient treatment plans concerning implant placement in a private practice setting. 


BACK TO TOP

 

  1. Margaret getting ready for her Online Board Review Webinar Courses with RDHEDU.com