Hot Topics 2022 - Lesson Set Two

Mini-Lesson Seven: The House is on FIRE! Why Are You Only Using a Garden Hose?! (Hot Topics 2022)

Presented by: Frances K. Horning, BRDH, HIAOMT

Original Publication Date: February 24, 2022

Lesson Description:

This lesson challenges conventional approaches in patient treatment by addressing the systemic nature of oral diseases, particularly periodontal disease. This lesson underscores the importance of considering the systemic context in periodontal therapy rather than relying solely on localized treatments. Participants will explore the interconnectedness between systemic health and periodontal disease, recognizing the pitfalls of outdated modalities. By embracing supportive systemic therapy alongside treatment, practitioners can improve patient outcomes and predictability in the long term.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate the causative and exacerbating factors contributing to periodontal disease, comprehending the multifaceted nature of this condition beyond localized manifestations.
• Identify the significance of recognizing causative and exacerbating factors in periodontal disease, particularly in informing treatment selection and recommending supportive therapies for enhanced patient care.
• Explain the synergy between alternative and conventional treatment protocols, emphasizing their combined impact in enhancing treatment outcomes and predictability for improved patient care and long-term success.

Mini-Lesson Eight: Changing the Way We Deliver Care in Public Health (Hot Topics 2022)

Presented by: Crystal Spring, RDH, BS, LAP

Original Publication Date: February 24, 2022

Lesson Description:

This lesson challenges misconceptions about delivering care in public health settings, emphasizing that high-quality care is achievable without compromising standards. This course aims to debunk the misconception of substandard public health care and empower practitioners to provide comprehensive care. Participants will explore methods to conduct various assessments, including blood pressure checks, intraoral imaging, and dental caries risk assessments while focusing on patient education and empowerment. Moreover, the lesson will delve into techniques for addressing concerns, educating on treatments like Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), and fostering inter-professional collaboration with medical providers to ensure patients receive the superior care they deserve.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop skills to conduct diverse assessments, including blood pressure measurements, intraoral imaging, and dental caries risk assessments in a public health setting while maintaining high-quality standards of care.
• Understand the importance of patient education and empowerment in public health care, learning techniques to effectively educate patients on oral health practices and empowering them to take ownership of their oral and overall health.
• Learn approaches to address patient concerns and effectively educate patients about alternative treatments such as Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), fostering a patient-centric approach to care delivery in public health settings.  
• Explore strategies to collaborate with medical providers, emphasizing the significance of inter-professional teamwork in delivering comprehensive and superior care to patients in public health settings.

Mini-Lesson Nine: Treating the Pain Behind the Smiles: Suicide Prevention for Dental Professionals (Hot Topics 2022)

Presented by: Frank King

Original Publication Date: February 24, 2022

Lesson Description:

"Treating the Pain Behind the Smiles: Suicide Prevention for Dental Professionals" is a poignant and transformative course led by Frank King, a Suicide Prevention Speaker and Trainer. With a personal history of battling Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidality, Frank shares his profound insights on Mental Health Awareness gleaned from his struggles. Drawing from his experiences, including 6 TEDx Talks, Frank encourages open conversations around depression and suicide, offering a unique perspective infused with humor. By embracing humor as a tool for healing and hope, Frank empowers dental professionals to engage in meaningful dialogues, granting permission to voice their emotions and experiences. This course catalyzes destigmatizing mental health discussions, emphasizing the power of the correct information delivered by the right person at the right time to save lives.

Lesson Objectives:

• Raise awareness and enhance understanding among dental professionals about depression, suicide, and mental health issues, providing insights into the challenges individuals face in these realms.
• Encourage and facilitate open conversations about depression and suicide, providing a safe space for dental professionals to share their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment.
• Explore the use of humor as a coping mechanism in addressing sensitive topics related to mental health, understanding its potential to foster hope, resilience, and a sense of camaraderie among professionals.
• Equip dental professionals with knowledge and tools to recognize warning signs, offer support, and initiate appropriate interventions for individuals facing mental health struggles, thereby contributing to suicide prevention efforts within their community.

Mini-Lesson Ten: OralDNA Measures of Immunity: Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Saliva (Hot Topics 2022)

Presented by: Ron McGlennen, MD

Original Publication Date: February 24, 2022

Lesson Description:

This course briefly explores the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccinations. This course delves into the natural history of the antibody response, detailing its progression and features through case studies. Moreover, it elucidates the advancements in salivary diagnostics, focusing on a test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Participants will gain insights into the validation and clinical implementation of these innovative salivary diagnostic methods for patient care during COVID-19.

Lesson Objectives:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the natural history of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccinations, exploring its progression and distinctive features through actual case studies.
• Explore innovations in salivary diagnostics, specifically focusing on a test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, understanding the validation process, and how these methods are translated into clinical practice for patient care.
• Understand the implications of utilizing salivary tests for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patient care, recognizing their significance in surveillance and managing COVID-19 infections and vaccination outcomes.

Mini-Lesson Eleven: Mental Health for Dental Professionals: The Not So Hot Topic, But It Should Be! (Hot Topics 2022)

Presented by: Joy D. Void-Holmes, RDH

Original Publication Date: February 24, 2022

Lesson Description:

"Mental Health for Dental Professionals: The Not So Hot Topic, But It Should Be!" addresses the critical yet often overlooked mental health issue in the dental workforce, particularly in the wake of the significant impacts witnessed over the past years. This lesson emphasizes the essentiality of prioritizing and safeguarding the mental well-being of dental professionals, recognizing the unique stressors and challenges they encounter, especially post-COVID. Participants will engage in discussions focused on identifying mental health issues prevalent in the dental field and exploring evidence-based interventions to support mental wellness. The lesson will empower dental professionals with specific strategies and interventions to protect their mental health, fostering resilience, confidence, and courage in the face of stressors.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize and understand the specific mental health challenges encountered by dental professionals, especially in the context of unique stressors and challenges post-COVID.
• Explore evidence-based interventions aimed at supporting and enhancing mental wellness among dental professionals, understanding their effectiveness in mitigating mental health threats. 
• Acquire strategies and interventions that empower dental professionals to protect their mental health long-term, fostering resilience, confidence, and courage in navigating the challenges inherent in their profession.
• Encourage and facilitate open dialogues surrounding mental health in the dental field, emphasizing the importance of discussing and addressing these issues to foster a supportive and healthy work environment.

Mini-Lesson Twelve: Ultrasound Screen for Arterial Disease in the Hygiene Chair: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words (Hot Topics 2022)

Presented by: Becky Ironwing, RDH and Craig Backs, MD

Original Publication Date: February 24, 2022

Lesson Description:

"Ultrasound Screen for Arterial Disease in the Hygiene Chair: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" introduces the revolutionary potential of point-of-care ultrasound in detecting atherosclerotic plaque in carotid arteries within the dental setting. Participants will demonstrate the capability of oral health professionals, specifically hygienists, to obtain ultrasound images, enabling interpretation by qualified health professionals. Moreover, the course presents a viable business model enabling dental professionals to offer added services within their legal scope of practice, supported by medical providers for image interpretation, reporting, and exploring options for disease reversal. Participants will learn the value of displaying arterial disease to patients, enabling avoidance of unnecessary treatments, early interventions for presymptomatic disease, and motivating patients towards comprehensive oral health programs and systemic health management. Ultimately, this course aims to empower professionals to prevent heart attack, stroke, dementia, and chronic kidney disease through improved oral health interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• Showcase the use of point-of-care ultrasound to visualize and identify atherosclerotic plaque in carotid arteries, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic tool within the dental setting.
• Equip hygienists and oral health professionals with the skills to obtain ultrasound images for interpretation by qualified health professionals, emphasizing proper techniques and protocols.
• Comprehend and implement a viable business model that allows dental professionals to provide added services within their legal scope, collaborating with medical providers for image interpretation, reports, and exploring disease reversal options.
• Understand and communicate the value of showing arterial disease to patients, enabling avoidance of unnecessary treatments, initiating early interventions for presymptomatic disease, and motivating patients towards comprehensive oral and systemic health care programs.  
• Encourage professionals to engage patients in oral health programming, detection of presymptomatic endodontic disease, management of airway/sleep apnea-related problems, and pursuing detection of root causes beyond the standard of care, fostering systemic and oral health for patients and their families.

Mini-Lesson Thirteen: It’s Time to Leap: Oral Systemic Connections 101 (Hot Topics 2022)

Presented by: Machell Hudson, RDH, FAAOSH

Original Publication Date: February 24, 2022

Lesson Description:

This lesson examines the factors contributing to a growing movement of dental professionals standing at the precipice of change. Participants will confront the fear of change and embrace the necessity of redefining the standard of care in dental practices. As patients increasingly recognize the link between oral health and systemic diseases, this course becomes an essential pivot toward the new healthcare model. Fast-tracking through Oral Systemic Connections 101, this lesson navigates risk factors, understanding 'P4' (Predict, Prevent, Personalize, Participate), and reaping the profound benefits of integrating oral and systemic health care models, not only transforming lives but also saving them.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore and comprehend the underlying reasons and causative factors behind the intricate connections between oral health and systemic diseases, understanding the 'why' behind this critical association.
• Acquire insights into the 'P4' approach – Predict, Prevent, Personalize, Participate – understanding its application and implementation as a healthcare model that integrates oral and systemic health for enhanced patient care and well-being.
• Recognize and articulate the substantial benefits of embracing and implementing an integrated oral and systemic health care model, both in transforming individual lives and contributing to saving lives through preventive and personalized care approaches.