Subject:  Ultrasonic Technology   |  Audience: Hygienists   |  CE Credits: 3 hours Lecture

Course Description:

Dental hygienists dedicated to clinical practice spend the majority of patient treatment time battling biofilm, calculus, and stain. While ultrasonic technology, subgingival air polishing, and hand instruments each have their claims for effectively disrupting and removing hard and soft deposits, the key question remains: when, where and why should each method be used? This session separates science from clever marketing and explores advantages and limitations of each procedure, inspiring the critical thinking needed to develop individualized debridement strategies for each patient’s unique needs. The session will feature live audience polling and clinical demonstrations to reinforce key takeaways and support practical application.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine current research on ultrasonics, supra/subgingival air polishing, and hand instrumentation to determine their respective roles in preventing and treating periodontal disease
• Apply evidence-based decision making to select and sequence debridement instruments, magnetostrictive and piezoelectric technologies, and powder formulations to achieve patient-specific clinical results and maximize comfort
• Design or enhance biofilm therapy protocols that strengthen overall treatment efficiency, streamline appointment flow and promote professional growth and satisfaction within the dental hygiene team

About the Speaker:

Dani Botbyl is an educator, author, and researcher and has been a trailblazer for the advancement of ultrasonic technology in dental hygiene practice and education in North America. She is credited with leading the first team of researchers to investigate the topic of ultrasonic instrumentation education in dental hygiene programs. The culmination of her knowledge and research has produced multiple publications in industry and peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. In 2018, with her co-authors, Dani was awarded the Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene Research Award for Best Original Research Paper. Dani co-authored the second edition of Ultrasonic Periodontal Debridement: Theory and Technique (2024) and is a contributing author to the soon to be published sixth edition of Darby and Walsh Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice. Dani has presented hundreds of evidence-based programs to dental hygiene students, faculty and practicing clinicians nationally and internationally, served as the National Clinical Educator with Dentsply Sirona 2000-2023 and held a faculty position at Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology in Welland, Ontario Canada for over a decade. Dani’s passion for enhancing the practice of dental hygiene create learning experiences that are not to be missed!

Financial Relationship – None Reported