Elevating the Profession

Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH, BSDH, DHSc: Many states are now allowing dental assistants to perform coronal polishing and other procedures that typically had been reserved for dental hygienists, and, while I love dental assistants, this detracts from the value of an RDH degree. I wanted to create a way for dental hygienists to increase their value in other ways with their team—by elevating the standard of care and mastering more clinical skills. This program will give attendees the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice and, most importantly, have the opportunity to train with new materials and tools with experts to become a master clinician. We will also focus on the significance of the oral-systemic connection, enabling participants to transition from reactive care to preventive care. We want to empower clinicians to feel comfortable having conversations with their patients about the correlation between oral health and whole-body health.

IDH: What can people expect from the Hands-On Hygiene Workshop portion?

Void-Holmes: My team and I will be working up close and personal to provide real-time feedback. It is not uncommon for many of the fundamental skills taught in school to fall by the wayside after years of clinical practice. In addition, many recent graduates missed out on the opportunity for a full clinical experience because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians are practicing using less-than-ideal, and often counterproductive, techniques for periodontal debridement. The design concepts of many new instruments are significant departures from previous designs. To appreciate advanced developments, the proper use of all hand instruments must be determined. This workshop will be an "instrumentation bootcamp," covering ergonomics, patient/operator positioning, visual acuity, stroke dynamics, and more. Attendees will get hands-on experience with ultrasonics, air polishing, and different varnish and sealant materials as well as learn how to apply glass ionomers and silver diamine fluoride and how to perform a 3-minute scan—all while getting their hands dirty. My hope is that they master their skills and achieve clinical excellence.

IDH: What else will be covered?

Void-Holmes: Attendees will learn about common systemic diseases that are linked with poor oral health, nutrition, home care, and salivary diagnostics. We also will cover implants, oral biofilm, and the 2022 CDT codes. We are offering courses required by many states for licensure renewal and compliance—medical emergencies, infection control, OSHA, and more. Additionally, we will have a risk management and documentation course. Not surprisingly, people are still getting into trouble because they do not know how to properly document a patient record.

IDH: How does your background as an educator at various levels influence how you are planning this event?

Void-Holmes: I understand the significance of exposing attendees to dynamic speakers who are experts in their field with different backgrounds, thought processes, and speaking styles. This is important because we will be able to appeal to an array of participants with a range of learning styles. Clinicians forget that they are life-long learners and will always need help. Once you receive that degree or those credentials, you are not expected to know everything. The best compliment I get is when people tell me I make them feel comfortable with the fact that there are things they might not know. This event will be a safe space for people to learn. No one should be figuring out how to do something while the patient is in the chair. So, I encourage people to come out and learn. This is about elevating the entire dental team, especially the hygienists. We will be the ones to change the world.

Register at drjoyrdh.com/precisionpowerprevention • 443-265-2527

Friday Courses (2 CEU each)

Implant, Hybrids, Full Arch - Shreeti Ruparelia, BA, MBA, RDH

Identify "Red Flags" Linked to Systemic Disease - Kerry Lepicek, RDH

"Cracking the Dental Code" 2022 - William Paveletz, DMD

Oral Biofilm and its Systemic Effects: How to Manage Clinically and With Homecare - Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS

Saturday Courses (1 CEU each unless otherwise indicated)

Ethics for the Dental Professional - Emily Boge, EdD, RDH, CDA

Dot Your I's and Cross Your T's: Documentation 101 - Emily Boge, EdD, RDH, CDA

Medical Emergency Preparedness - India R. Chance, BSDH, RDH

OSHA Training for the Dental Practice - India R. Chance, BSDH, RDH

Infection Control for the Dental Professional (2 CEU) - India R. Chance, BSDH, RDH

Saturday Hands-On Workshop  (8 CEU)

Basic and Advance Manual and Ultrasonic Instrumentation - Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH, BSDH, DHSc

Digital Scanning Intensive - Alicia Murria, RDH, MS

Respect our GIs ... Take a Look at What Today's Glass Ionomers Can Offer Your Patients - William Paveletz, DMD

Dental Materials Bootcamp: Glass Ionomers, Sealants, Varnishes, & Silver Diamine Fluoride - Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH, BSDH, DHSc, and William Paveletz, DMD

Virtual Courses

There's No Excuse for Violence & Abuse! Abuse Awareness for Dental Healthcare Providers (2 CEU) - India R. Chance, BSDH, RDH

Culturally Competent Care for HURE Groups and the LGBTQIA+ Community (1 CEU) - Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH, BSDH, DHSc

You're Biased: Now What! Implicit Bias Training for the Dental Professional (1 CEU) - Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH, BSDH, DHSc