Mid-Continent Dental Congress - Greater St. Louis Dental Society Conference for Continuing Education

CE Credits: 3 Hour Symposium |  Subject: Pediatric Patient Anxiety/Periodontal Risk Assessment/Oral Systemic Health |  Recommended for: Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants 

An Chih “Angela” Do,  RDH, Med, MAADH: Fearless: Navigating Trauma and Dental Anxiety in Children

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in children can lead to a vicious cycle of avoidance of dental visits, deteriorating oral health, and perpetuating a heightened fear of the dentist. There are cases where the signs and symptoms of DFA may resemble those of trauma, such as abuse, highlighting the importance of a trauma-informed care approach in dental practices. Dental hygienists play a critical role in identifying signs of abuse in children. Child abuse and neglect can take many forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. Children who experience abuse or neglect are often too young or scared to speak out about it, so the responsibility of identifying and reporting these cases often falls on healthcare professionals. Dental professionals are often one of the first healthcare providers to come into contact with children, especially those who may not have regular medical check-ups. We can examine a child’s mouth and teeth for any signs of injury or trauma that may indicate abuse or neglect. Dental hygienists can help protect children and prevent further harm by reporting suspected abuse and neglect cases.  Dental hygienists who practice trauma-informed care can create a safe and supportive environment for patients who may have experienced dental trauma or other types of trauma. This approach emphasizes building trust, respecting patients’ boundaries and autonomy, and creating a sense of safety, ultimately leading to better oral health outcomes and reduced DFA.

Learning Objectives:

• Will be able to discuss a dental professional’s role in identifying, documenting, and reporting pediatric abuse and neglect.
• Will be able to identify the signs & symptoms of pediatric abuse and neglect.
• Will be able to apply trauma-informed care to clinical practice.

Rafael Rondon, RDH, BS: Back to the Basics

Upon completion of the periodontal risk assessment program, you will also have greater confidence and knowledge about how to properly perform periodontal risk assessments with each patient, classify the gum health and properly align your gum therapy with the correct procedure code. Provide patients a focused prevention and early management of periodontal disease education and inform your patient of the ideal treatment options and gain patient acceptance.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding of oral health through Periodontal risk assessments.
• Align your Code with your procedures.
• Presentation and acceptance of the treatment case.

Machell Hudson, RDH: The Medical-Dental Model Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Conditions: Understanding the Hygienists’ Critical Role

The never-ending noise of patients, family, friends, and sadly, even our own profession calling Preventative Care “Just a Cleaning” has got to stop. Let us understand that the role of the dental hygiene profession in whole-body health is critical. Metabolic Syndrome is made up of 5 conditions and is diagnosed when three of the five are present. High blood pressure, excess abdominal visceral fat, low HDL and high cholesterol, high glucose, and high triglycerides are all warning signs that our body is fighting a chronic inflammatory state, raising our risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Guess what? Periodontal disease is connected to all of them. Learn from the latest scientific research and personal experience how disrupting the bacterial load lowers overall inflammation throughout the entire body. Learn how metabolic conditions can be improved when patients with periodontal disease undergo non-surgical periodontal therapy and vital collaborative care is prioritized. Now is the most significant time to be a dental hygienist in history. We get to own our place in healthcare as leaders in prevention.

Learning Objectives: 

• Understanding the mechanism of action in oral-systemic health.
• Testing and tools that innovate patient care.
• Treatment plans that involve Collaborative Care are made simple.

Speakers Bio:

Moderator:  Andrea Johnson, MS, RDH

Andrea Johnson has 21 years with Procter & Gamble and currently a Senior Business Development Manager. She has held numerous roles for the company and resides in Texas.  She enjoys sharing the science within the dental world, working with speakers, association work, and building capabilities with Crest Oral B Professional Oral Care Division.  She has a Master’s in Psychology and an extended certification in grief counseling and juvenile behavior counseling.

An Chih “Angela” Do,  RDH, Med, MAADH 

Angela Do has been practicing pediatric dentistry for over 17 years as a dental assistant and hygienist. She is a speaker that brings impactful information to clinicians. Her background in film and television allows her creativity to expand beyond the operatory. As an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, she knows the impact that education can make. This awareness drives her to empower dental professionals with tools to better care for their patients.  Financial Relationship – Honorarium: Crest Oral-B.

Rafael Rondon, RDH, BS

Rafael Rondon has been working in the dental field for more than 31 years. He spent the early part of his career working in a hospital setting and private practice. For the past 20 years, he has worked with dental group practice. Where he has helped to develop and implement dental hygiene standards of care for the organization. This standard of care included periodontal therapy, effective communication, efficient hygiene schedules, improved patient care, and dental hygiene team development. He is dedicated to helping and supporting the development of the hygiene program, individual hygienist’s skills, and improving the value of the profession. Financial Relationship – none reported.

Machell Hudson, RDH

Machell Hudson, RDH was honored as DrBicuspid Most Influential Hygiene Educator for 2021, which is evidence of her love and passion for clinical dental hygiene and educating, practicing, and coaching the role the dental community plays in whole body health.  As an international Speaker passionate about educating Oral Systemic Connections with a focus in risk factors, P4 method, elevating patient care and most importantly empowering the dental profession because that is where the magic happens.  She is beyond proud to sit as a board member for the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health.  Founder of Integrative Dental Coaching and on faculty, speaker and specialty hygiene coach for Productive Dentist Academy. Volunteer time spent with Unbound North Texas- Human Trafficking awareness and advocacy. Texas Accredited Human Trafficking Speaker. Financial Relationship – none reported.