Test Drive | Page 9

Missing Pieces The practice of dental hygiene has evolved over the last 100 years. Some of the evolution was more like a devolution, and has hindered forward movement in our profession. Some of the evolution has opened doors for dental hygienists and has given many patients a pathway to health they couldn’t have realized as they entered into the dental hygiene treatment room of the 2010’s. This course highlights what dental hygienists can be in their current treatment room, if that’s where they’d like to stay or take their passion and education out to other avenues. 1. Basic treatment protocols for: o Sjögren’s syndrome o Oncology patients o Vector diseases like Lyme Disease o Patients and Families with autism o Sleep apnea o Thyroid disease o Periodontal disease as a confounding factor to • Gout • Arthritis • Respiratory diseases 2. Alternatives to fluoride 3. Alternatives to radiographs Course outcomes: Assess protocols that will work for them in their practice Find information to help build their own protocols Illustrate how systemic conditions interfere with good oral health Course Length: 3 hours This course is not appropriate for dental hygiene students