Dental Hygiene Winter Weekend

Understanding Deaf or Hard of Hearing Barriers in Dentistry

Friday, February 23: 1-4 p.m.

Sponsored by: Cloud Dentistry

The ability to provide an accessible environment in dental offices is rarely discussed. Mask-wearing creates communication barriers between dental professionals and deaf or hard-of-hearing patients. You will learn tips to better your accessibility in the office and provide inclusion for everyone. Understanding their needs is key to being the best provider you can be. Emphasis will be placed on the patients with hearing loss. This course will discuss various perspectives in educational and clinical settings from a deaf dental hygienist.

Presenter: Amanda Zubricki

Amanda Zubricki, also known as That Deaf RDH, is a registered dental hygienist, national speaker, myofunctional therapist, and founder of her nonprofit That Deaf RDH organization. She graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After graduating, she spent several years working with children who have disabilities. Amanda later returned to school to pursue a degree in dental hygiene at Northern Virginia Community College. She became a licensed dental hygienist in 2017 and had been practicing as a clinical dental hygienist ever since. Amanda was born profoundly deaf and wears hearing aids. Amanda started a nonprofit called That Deaf RDH (www.thatdeafrdh.org) with a vision to ensure every deaf or/and hard-of-hearing person has the financial and community support they need to achieve their goal of becoming a dental hygienist. She's one of three recipients of the 2022 Today's RDH Honor Awards. Outside of work, she enjoys developing and sharing content for her IG page @that.deaf.rdh, speaking and advocating for inclusion in the general public and workforce, and inspiring individuals.

Man vs. Microbiota: The Evolution Story of the Human Microbiome

Friday, February 23: 5-8 p.m.

This program is about a love story, two billion years in the making, between prokaryotic bacteria who began the process of human biology and disease in an impactful way. Over a spectrum of time, the human microbiota as we understand it has experienced an evolution developed from a myriad of influences. The result: an ever-changing imbalance of bacterial colonies primed for disease.

Join periodontal hygienist Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF as she explores the evolutionary process of the human microbiota, identifying the dramatic shifts in human physiology and societal trends that have deeply influenced the human microbiome as we understand it today. Discover how dental professionals have the ability to direct and modify the diversification and organization of the human microbiome to promote health and wellness once again.

Learning Objectives:

• Discover the unfolding of the human microbiota over two billion years, exploring the evolutionary lifespan of the human microbiome.
• Describe the biological functions influencing dysbiosis of the microbiome.
• Discuss case selection in integrating an immersive approach to balancing the oral microbiota.
• Examine pragmatic care modalities aimed to provide a symbiotic microbiome and promote a state of health.

Presenter: Katrina M. Sanders

A clinical dental hygienist, author and international speaker, Katrina is passionate about elevating the dental profession by creating an undeniable movement that educates, encourages, and empowers the profession to rise in its power. Known as the “DentalWINEgenist™,” she pairs her desire for excellence in the dental industry with her knowledge and passion for wine. She is the Clinical Liaison, Hygiene Excellence & Innovation for AZPerio, the country’s largest periodontal practice where she works alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. She is the founder, CEO and keynote speaker for Sanders Board Preparatory and has been published in various publications including RDH Magazine and Today’s RDH and is an advisory member for Modern Hygienist and the Dental Academy of Continuing Education. Recently, Katrina proudly received the 2023 Denobi Award for Clinical Excellence and Innovation in dentistry. Her philanthropic efforts include dental humanitarian work in developing countries, supporting abused and homeless animals and spreading awareness about the benefits of organ and tissue donation.

Breaking the Chain: Mastering Infection Control Basics

Saturday, February 24: 9 a.m. - Noon

Sponsored by: Proedge

Ensuring infection control compliance can be challenging for many practices. From remaining current with regulations, providing proper team training, maintaining cleanliness and sterilization standards, managing costs, and implementing effective communication and documentation processes, preventing exposure to pathogens is one of the most important and challenging tasks that dental professionals face.

However, noncompliance with dental infection control protocols is not an option and can have serious consequences:  patient or team member infections, legal and financial consequences, and damage to reputation leading to loss of patients and revenue.

In this course, review OSHA and CDC protocols and key strategies for applying infection control effectively. 

Learning Objectives:

• Define infection prevention principles and recommendations for dental health care settings
• Recognize how to prevent transmission of infectious agents through standard precautions
• Employ standard operating procedures to remain in compliance with regulations
• Manage a successful infection control plan

Presenter: Amanda Hill

Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC, is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award-winning author.  A sought-after thought leader contributing invaluable and inspiring insights into the current trends in dentistry. She brings over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene and now provides the dental industry with enthusiastic education. Amanda has authored over one hundred articles and had the most-read article of 2020 in Dr. Bicuspid. Recipient of OSAP’s Emerging Infection Control Leader award, she is affectionately known as the Waterline Warrior. An active participant with the advisory board for RDH magazine, Dentistry IQ, and OSAP’s Infection Control In Practice Editorial Review Board and membership committee, Amanda strives to make topics in dentistry accurate, accessible, and fun! She can be reached atwww.amandahillrdh.com and AmandaHillRDH@gmail.com.

New Technology in Non-restorative Treatment for Early Caries

Saturday, February 24: 1-4 p.m.

Sponsored by: YOUNG

According to the American Dental Association, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in humans, affecting 97% of the population worldwide during their lifetimes. New technology for minimally invasive care in dentistry is an alternative to the traditional manner of managing and treating dental caries. This course will help clinicians discover treatment options that focus on early intervention.

Learning Objectives:

• Review current remineralization options including mechanism of action for early lesions.
• Examine how to effectively evaluate different treatment options for early lesions.
• Illustrate how guided enamel remineralization can fit into the dental practice.
• Review practical tips and application techniques for incorporating guided enamel remineralization into your dental practice and maximizing its benefits for your patients.
• Explain effective patient education on guided enamel remineralization that helps facilitate patient acceptance.

Presenter: Wendy Bebey, RDH, BS

Wendy Bebey holds the position of Academic Relations Manager for Young Innovations. Wendy’s expansive career is built upon a foundation as a clinician and educator.  With wide-ranging experience in the dental industry, Wendy has excelled in roles including Professional Relations, Sales Management, and training and education and has been delivering continuing education programs for the past twenty years. Wendy is a passionate educator who is proud to be viewed as a leader in the dental community.

Critical Applications of Vitamin C for Optimal Oral Health

Sunday, February 25; 9 a.m. - Noon

Sponsored by: PUR-C

In a professional office setting, the most important person in the organization is the first point of contact, as they are the ones who set the tone for a positive client experience.  In a dental clinic, the second and most frequent point of contact is the dental hygienist. They provide guidance and education on daily oral care and see the patient at least twice a year. The dental hygienists are the first ones to identify any potential health and dental issues within the oral cavity.

Almost half (47.2%) of all adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease. Gum disease increases with age. 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease. Furthermore, about 70% of adults suffer from some degree of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. In fact, gingivitis, which is prevalent at all ages, is the number one infectious disease in the world. Chronic gingivitis affects over 90% of the world population.  In the US, this translates to about 64.7 million adults with periodontitis, with 30% at a moderate stage of the disease, and 8.5% at an advanced stage.

Now more than ever, there is a growing awareness of oral and systemic health connections, and both healthcare professionals and patients are seeking safe, effective, natural, holistic, and chemical free alternatives to resolve their conditions.

So why is Vitamin C so important to oral and system health? Vitamin C is the most researched topic on PUBMED and is the cornerstone of integrative medicine as well as natural and biological dentistry. Yet, after decades of compelling data, it remains the most misunderstood and commonly misapplied therapy. Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C is often used in surgical applications and oral hygiene due to its alkaline, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties. While vitamin C itself is essential for overall systemic health, it offers a broad spectrum of benefits for gum health, oral hygiene, and its ability to mitigate and resolve infections associated with periodontal disease.

This 3-session course will give the provider a basic understanding of concepts, therapeutic properties, and practical applications of Vitamin C for systemic health and daily oral care.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe vitamin C and why is it essential for the human body, the historical background and therapeutic approaches for neutralizing and resolving pathogens and reducing bacterial burden. 
• Discuss vitamin C’s functions, roles, and properties.
• Understand sodium ascorbate versus ascorbic acid.
• Discuss Vitamin C: Transporters, Absorption and Bioavailability
• Understand the vitamin C Conundrum – Is it an Antioxidant or a Pro-oxidant?
• Discuss how ascorbate plays a crucial role in systemic and oral health.
• Explain practical Applications in Dentistry and Oral Hygiene - Optimal dosing, frequency, and applications

Presenter: Lior Sher, JD

Lior Sher, JD is the Founder and Executive Director of Vitamin C International Consortium Institute (VCICI) a non-profit organization dedicated to the education of healthcare professionals and their patients on critical Vitamin C therapies and applications designed to improve clinical results in infectious diseases, chronic conditions, surgeries, trauma recovery, and oral health. Ms. Sher is also the Founder of PUR-C, the developer of the leading brand of the purest medical grade Sodium Ascorbate (Ascorbate) products sold exclusively to healthcare professionals.

Ms. Sher has innovated Ascorbate treatment protocols, and lectures extensively on antioxidant and prooxidant Vitamin C therapies in integrative, functional, and regenerative medicine, biological dentistry, and the veterinary health sectors.   

She is an attorney by training, and an inventor holding multiple patents in the biomedical sector. She founded and led several medical/bio-technology start-ups as their Chairperson, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

 Ms. Sher is a frequent public speaker recognized as a leading authority on Vitamin C therapies. She often presents at healthcare conferences, medical and dental schools, conducts training webinars, podcasts, and formulates CME/CE certified course work. Her presentations focus on Vitamin C therapies and applications designed to mitigate and resolve viral and bacterial burdens, rebalance the immune system to support adjunct conventional treatments, improve oral hygiene, accelerate wound healing after trauma or surgeries, and optimize clinical outcomes of regenerative procedures.

Ms. Sher works closely with various Federal and State regulatory agencies and legal experts to add value to the practices of healthcare professionals and their patients worldwide. She is relentless in her resolve to educate providers and the public on the endless attributes, functions, and roles of Ascorbate in medicine, and offers practical applications for oral and systemic health. Her work focuses on the improvement of patient satisfaction, patient compliance, and optimization of clinical efficacy.

VCICI annual conferences have been a resounding success featuring world renowned scientists and practitioners presenting on topics such as the therapeutic applications of Vitamin C designed to combat infectious diseases from Sepsis to COVID, as well as chronic conditions such as Cancer. The speakers focused on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the use of Ascorbate to mitigate ROS, hyperinflammation and NETs formation. The focus was also on the use of Vitamin C to promote tissue and bone healing, risk mitigation of post-operative secondary infections, Hypovitaminosis C, and the maintenance of optimal Ascorbate levels. The lectures further highlighted Pro-oxidant and Antioxidant protocols for Lyme, Mental Health, Chronic Fatigue, Pain Management, and introduced preliminary data on the novel applications of Ascorbate in Dental Surgeries.

In recent years Ms. Sher has focused on the education of biological and natural dentists in the application of Vitamin C in dental surgery and in daily oral hygiene. Ms. Sher is a pioneer in the use of Ascorbate Vitamin C for reducing chronic oxidative stress associated with periodontal infections, the connection of hypovitaminosis C to periodontal disease and systemic health, as well as Ascorbate applications in oral surgeries to improve surgical outcome in terms of tissue healing, bone regeneration, and pain management.