ADHA, Dentsply to promote dental hygiene research
The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and Dentsply International announced in early February a new program aimed at promoting dental hygiene research.
In 2009, the Dentsply/ADHA Graduate Student Clinician Program will sponsor one graduate level dental hygiene student from each U.S. dental hygiene program that offers a master's of science degree in dental hygiene. The sponsored student will present his or her research at the annual ADHA session in June of each year. Each student representative receives an expense–paid trip from Dentsply to the city hosting the annual session, where they will present their research findings in a poster presentation format.
Diann Bomkamp, RDH, ADHA president, said, “In the ever–advancing arena of dental hygiene, research is a cornerstone of the profession. We feel that this program offers a wonderful opportunity to further engage students in an area which can move the profession forward.”
Two or more students may develop the research for the poster presentation but only one student from each school is eligible to present the poster for judging and only one student will receive financial support from Dentsply International. The poster session will be judged and awards will be presented.
Dr. Leonard Litkowski, director of clinical research and education for Dentsply Professional, said, “The purpose of this joint venture with the ADHA is to recognize and encourage original research for the advancement of the dental hygiene profession.”
PDA meeting to coincide with OSAP
The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has announced that the Professional Dental Assisting (PDA) Conference will be held concurrently with the 2009 OSAP Symposium on June 11–14 at the Marriott Legacy Park in Plano, Texas. The PDA Conference will feature informative sessions presented by the nation's best educators, all geared to the dental assistant.
The PDA Conference provides continuing education opportunities in conjunction with the American Dental Assistants Association and is supported by the Dental Assisting National Board. The OSAP Symposium features leading experts on infection control and occupational health and safety who share information of critical concern to anyone involved in dentistry. The collaboration offers benefits to the attendees of both conferences.
PDA is produced by PennWell, which also produces the annual RDH Under One Roof conference.
For more information or to register for either symposium, go to www.osap.org or call (800) 298–6727.
‘Healthy Teeth for Pets' campaign is launched
Dog food manufacturers and Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) recently launched a “Healthy Teeth for Pets” campaign Web site (www.healthyteethforpets.com), a resource for pet “parents” to learn about the importance of pet dental health. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral care in dogs and cats to help them live longer, healthier lives.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of three years.
Through the Web site's educational videos, pet owners can learn how to brush their pet's teeth and identify common dental problems. As part of the campaign, pet dental kits will be sent to select veterinary hospitals and retail outlets. The “Healthy Teeth for Pets” dental kit includes a finger brush, a teeth–cleaning tracking chart, a guide for good oral health, coupons for pet products, and information about VPI, a pet health insurance company in the United States.
