by Ann-Marie C. DePalma, RDH, MeD, FAADH
[email protected]
Beyond certain holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, there are days each year that everyone looks forward to. Whether it's the opening day of a favorite sports team, the last day of school, the first days of vacation, or the first warm day of spring, these days make hearts lighten.
This month's featured course is "Hand hygiene and hand care." Hand hygiene is important for the safety of patients and health-care workers. In 2003, the CDC issued specific recommendations for hand care in the dental setting. Several options are available for hand hygiene prior to nonsurgical dental procedures, and the method can vary based on a number of factors. This course reviews the structure of the skin, hand hygiene protocols for medical and surgical procedures, adverse effects of repeated hand hygiene and how these can be counteracted, and considerations involved in choosing hand care products for the dental professional. For RDH magazine readers, the discount code for the course is RDHEV511, which is good through July 31, 2011.
For hygienists, the days that can brighten even the darkest are the days of Under One Roof. For 2011, UOR is July 28 to 30 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago. UOR is PennWell Publishing's (the publisher of RDH magazine) gift to the dental hygiene profession – a continuing education program focused on the education and well-being of dental hygiene professionals. Hygienists from across the country and internationally meet each year to be educated about the latest in dental hygiene products and services, and to network and bond with fellow professionals. This column will take a peek at this year's program.
Starting on Wednesday evening, July 27, for those who have never attended UOR, there will be a First Timers' Meet and Greet orientation. This informal gathering before the program's opening allows first time attendees to mingle with UOR alumni and learn firsthand what UOR has to offer. Everyone is a friend at the Meet and Greet and no one should feel shy about attending alone. You will soon make friends that will last long after the meeting ends.
Each day offers a variety of general sessions or hands-on or small group workshops on a variety of topics, along with keynote speakers on Thursday and Saturday. Lunch is included for the Friday and Saturday sessions, along with exhibit floor receptions on each of the days that include food and beverage. You can earn up to 21 CEUs, all for one registration fee!
General session topics range from lifesaving exams, infectious diseases, new products, oral pathology, pediatric dentistry, diabetes and obesity, alternative career choices, forensic dentistry, geriatric dentistry, and the use of stem cells. General sessions are open to all, although preregistration is recommended.
Workshops are small group programs with limited attendance and include information on yoga, risk assessments, periodontal diseases, radiography, MI dentistry, hypersensitivity, ergonomics, infection control, implant care, and green dentistry. Many of dental hygiene's continuing education movers and shakers are program presenters. In addition to the vast array of topics, many dental hygiene corporate sponsors will be exhibiting their latest products for viewing and sampling.
The exhibit floor is a stimulating venue for engaging one-on-one with product representatives to learn the benefits of new technologies and products, while reinforcing the advantages of old favorites. Many exhibit halls at other continuing education programs focus on other dental professionals. At UOR it is all about us, the hygienists.
At the 2010 UOR in Orlando, a Dental Impact Project to provide care to underserved populations was a great success. As a result, a program entitled "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" will be presented this year. Through the program, dental professionals will have the opportunity to have a major impact on their own community's oral health when they return home by providing the tools and information to develop and implement volunteer programs.
On Friday morning, Janice Hurley-Trailor, BS, will present the keynote address entitled, "The Power of Choice: Your Professional Image." Janice is an image consultant who will discuss personal presence in appearance, verbal skills, voice tone, and body language to increase case acceptance and overall patient experiences. On Saturday afternoon, Gary Zelesky will wrap up the 2011 UOR with his enthusiastic program, "The Passion-Centered Practice." Gary's presentations allow participants to go from having just a career to having a life. Be prepared for an exhilarating experience to cap off your UOR.
In addition to the programs and networking, the American Academy of Dental Hygiene holds its annual business meeting at UOR. AADH encourages professional growth through leadership, mentorship, and fellowship. AADH's goals are to foster continuing education and research in the art and science of dental hygiene, provide formal recognition of excellence in the practice of dental hygiene, and recognize distinguished community service in the effort to improve oral health. Current and new members, fellows, and potential members are encouraged to participate in the annual session and the continuing education program that has become an integral part of UOR.
Whether you attend UOR for a few or all of the days, you will return to your practice reinvigorated and excited about all of the opportunities that today's dental hygiene practice can offer. We look forward to seeing you!
Ann-Marie C. DePalma, RDH, MEd, FAADH, is a fellow of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene and a member of ADHA and other professional associations. Ann-Marie presents continuing-education programs for hygienists and dental team members and has written numerous articles on a variety of topics. She can be reached at [email protected].
