SDHA Conference Plenary Sessions

Conference Schedule| AGM

PL Tools: 

Sessions & Documents

Sessions Documents

Periodontitis, Dysbiosis and Inflammation: What’s the Connection? – Dr. Salme Lavigne

This course provides the most current research findings for the ties between two very important concepts regarding periodontal disease: inflammation and microbial dysbiosis. Inflammation must be looked at from a systemic rather
than solely from an oral perspective in order to fully understand the role it plays in the onset of periodontal disease. Similarly, the concept of the human microbiome must be understood before applying it to the oral microbiome. These two concepts are then tied together to show how they are inexorably interrelated to periodontal disease initiation. This understanding provides a
new approach for clinicians to help their patients in both controlling and preventing the progression of periodontal disease.

Hands on Ultrasonics Master Class – Cheri Wu

Effective periodontal debridement and the reduction of oral inflammation is largely dependent on equipment choices and clinical technique. Current research shows that Canadian Dental Hygienists are underutilizing and incorrectly implementing ultrasonics. Don’t be part of this demographic! This fast-paced workshop combines cutting edge teaching methods with active magnetostrictive ultrasonic equipment to focus on calculus removal and biofilm assault. Calibrate your ultrasonic knowledge and technique and achieve an improved level of clinical confidence as you are given the opportunity to use manikin heads, typodonts and a variety of inserts for complete debridement based on best practice and patient assessment. With emphasis on insert selection, adaptation, sequencing, activation, and of course focusing on the curved insert to reach end point for periodontal debridement. Patient comfort, sound ergonomics, and minimizing aerosols will be highlighted – learn to work smarter and not harder!

At the completion of each workshop the participant will be able to:

  • Learn technique oversights that hinder clinical outcomes and how to avoid them.
  • Demonstrate the most effective principles of ultrasonic instrumentation, including grasp, fulcrum, lateral pressure, activation and adaptation.
  • Determine best practice for insert selection, power level and sequencing.
  • Describe the benefits and limitations of straight and curved ultrasonic instruments for debridement.
  • Learn how to access furcations, concavities and rotations using curved ultrasonic inserts
  • Increased understanding of how to achieve patient and clinician comfort while using ultrasonic technology and minimizing aerosols.

An Introduction to Orofacial Myology – Andrea Melnyk

This course presents an overview of the specialty area of Orofacial Myology and its relationship to the field of Dentistry.

Participants will:

  1. Learn about the history of myofunctional therapy
  2. Understand the role of the Orofacial Myologist
  3. Understand Oral Rest Posture and and its impact on the teeth, jaws and airway
  4. Understand why Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are detrimental to overall health
  5. Identify the most common causes of OMDs
  6. Recognize the symptoms of OMDs while screening patients

A Few of Our Favorite Things – Kathleen Bokrossy & Beth Parkes

During this session let your imagination explore the possibilities! You will be introduced to new innovative products and solutions to help create a dream-come-true experience for the clinician, the client and your practice.
From instrument selection to ergonomic and assessment tools, discover what is available and set yourself up for success by integrating some of the most intuitive products and tools available.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discover new advancements in instrument technology and style
  • Review the wear of ultrasonic inserts and hand instruments and discover when to replace and why it is essential
  • Learn strategies to make positive change happen in your practice
  • Learn how to incorporate new advancements into your routine to increase efficiency, provide optimal treatment and promote oral health.
 

Oral-Systemic Links: What Do We Tell Our Patients? – Dr. Salme Lavigne

Research has been conducted for over 30 years on proposed relationships between periodontal disease and numerous systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases etc. However, the nature of these relationships has not always been clearly described or understood resulting in oral health professionals inadvertently giving their patients inaccurate information. As research continues to evolve, having a clear understanding of the most current state of the evidence for these relationships can play a significant role in educating your patients.

There are currently 57 diseases being researched that are suspected of having some form of relationship with periodontal disease. This course will help you to relay accurate information to your patients about the nature of these linkages and how maintenance of periodontal health can have an influence on their overall health.

Morning Stretch – Rebecca Whitrow, RDH
SDHA AGM – SDHA Council

Oral Oncology: A Holistic Approach – Dr. Amanda Gruza

Join Dr. Amanda Gruza as she offers insight into the world of oral oncology and oral oncologic care in Saskatchewan. Learn about the holistic, team-based approach necessary for the provision of patient-centered cancer care and your role on the team. Gain an understanding of the types of cancers and cancer treatments that necessitate involvement of the oral health care team and how these dental services are, and should be, provided. Leave feeling confident that you will be able to effectively screen patients for oral and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as offer the gold standard of care to any of patients diagnosed with cancer.

Sleep Apnea: A Not so Silent Killer – Kathleen Bokrossy

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by upper airway collapse during sleep. OSA is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders and is potentially fatal, affecting approximately 4-9% of the adult population. Like most sleep disorders, OSA is unrecognized, under-diagnosed and under-treated with an estimated 70-90% of cases going undiagnosed. Dental Hygienists are the first line of defence in recognizing and screening for potential OSA. We play a critical role in improving the quality and longevity of life of our clients.Understanding the sleep disorder, how it affects our clients, how to screen for potential OSA, and recognize when to refer is in our area of influence.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn what Obstructive Sleep Apnea is and the physical implications it has on your clients
  • Elevate knowledge of the clinical signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Learn Screening Tools to assess for potential Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Understand options for treatment, collaboration and when to refer
 

Reconciliation and Cultural Safety in Dentistry – Dr. Sheri McKinstry

This lecture focuses on providing information to the dental community to help us understand how we can provide culturally safe dental care to Indigenous populations. Indigenous dental health care requires consideration specific to Indigenous health care needs. To understand this, Dr. McKinstry will discuss how reconciliation and cultural safety is approached by dental practitioners, and why it is important for dental providers to become aware of these concepts.