Join rdhu for a special day for u!

The day will begin with an empowering session led by your host, Kathleen Bokrossy, where she will guide you in creating a goal statement that will serve as your focus throughout the event. Kathleen will also offer valuable insights on what to observe during the day, ensuring you're well-prepared to complete your own Assessment Goal.

At the end of the day, we’ll come together to review the learnings, reflect on your progress, and discuss next steps. Kathleen will also demonstrate how to incorporate your Assessment Goal into your SMILE Portal, whether you're facing an audit or not.

No matter which Path you are following, understanding Assessments is essential for success in any option you choose.

Meet the lineup of speakers and their compelling topics!

1) The Lips, The Teeth, The Tip Of The Tongue

Screening your patients for Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Presented by: Joe Siegfried, RDH, Myofunctional Therapist

Course Description:

Myofunctional disorders are rarely part of the dental hygiene assessment curriculum in post-secondary institutions. The content in this 40-minute talk will help the dental hygienist recognize and document myofunctional disorders. The dental hygienist will learn how to facilitate referrals to the appropriate qualified health care provider to help treat the oral dysfuntion.

Using case images, evidence-based research, and tools to help assist in referrals to other health care providers this session will help the dental hygienist improve upon their comprehensive assessment and overall patient health outcomes.

Course Objectives:

• Document 5 intraoral signs of myofunctional disorders
• Demonstrate how to refer to a myofunctional therapist and other health care providers.
• Demonstrate range of motion scores as indicators for possible tissue restrictions
• Learn 3 ways to find a myofunctional therapist in their community.
  

2) The TMJ & The RDH

Presented by: Christine Crawford, RDH, B.Sc., M.Ed

Course Description:

The reality is, many of our clients present with varying degrees of temporomandibular disorders (TMD); from slight pain, headaches and discomfort to severe dysfunction of the joints.

How many clients can you think of who have reported one or more of these symptoms? Sadly, TMD is often overlooked; sometimes left untreated and with clients not receiving proper education regarding these disorders.

RDH’s can play an essential role in identifying many of the signs and symptoms of TMD, and with collaboration with the DDS, our clients can be on their way to receiving a proper diagnosis and the treatment required for TMD.

Course Objectives:

• Discuss the anatomy and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
• Discuss the functional relationship of the muscles of mastication.
• Explore the signs, symptoms and causes of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
• Assess clicking, popping, crepitus, trismus and deviations of the TMJ.
• Discuss The importance of a sound and functional dentition with regards to the TMJ.
• Discuss radiographic techniques used for assessing the TMJ.
• Recognize the role of the RDH in assessing the TMJ during the assessment phase of ADPIE.
• Identify the role of the DDS or specialist regarding TMJ treatment; including surgery, physical therapy, orthodontics, appliances, myofunctional therapy and occlusal equilibration.
• Outline complete documentation during a TMJ assessment.

3) The Early Ortho Assessment

Lead By Prevention

Presented by: Liisa Moore, RDH

Course Description:

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7. By this time, some permanent teeth are erupting, and various problems can start to be identified and, in some cases, even corrected. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early rather than waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted. Early treatment may avoid more complex treatment or even surgery for a client later in life. This session is designed to increase your confidence in recognizing common orthodontic issues and make the referral process seamless for the client, your office and the orthodontic office as well.

Course Objectives:

• Identify common orthodontic problems
• Outline criteria for an orthodontic assessment
• Explain to their clients the importance of early orthodontic intervention
• Formulate a referral to an orthodontist

4) Don’t Let Calculus Burnish You Out! Strategies for Assessing and Removing Hard Deposits with Ultrasonic Technology

Presented by: Dani Botbyl, RDH

Course Description:

Assessing the location, quantity, and tenacity of calculus, combined with the design and quality of ultrasonic instruments and debridement techniques, all play crucial roles in the effective, efficient, and safe removal of hard deposits. This hands-on workshop will guide participants through a step-by-step process for choosing the most suitable ultrasonic active tip for different calculus situations. Attendees will use live ultrasonic units to practice calculus removal techniques, with a particular focus on addressing burnished calculus.

Course Objectives:

• Discuss how incorporating a quick, simple calculus index at the beginning of an appointment can in fact save you time.
• Analyze the distinctive characteristics of ultrasonic active tips and match these features to the specific location, quantity, and tenacity of calculus.
• Demonstrate the required ultrasonic techniques for removing light, moderate, and heavy calculus from both supra and subgingival sites.

5) Reveal the Unseen: Unlocking the Power of Intra-Oral Scanning

Presented by: Sally Bassam, RRDH, BSc

Course Description:

Oral conditions are well known for being painless, influencing the client’s choice of treatment acceptance and their acceptance of oral homecare recommendations. The introduction of intra-oral scanners and the enhancements through the years have immensely improved the workflow within and amongst dental practices. It’s an exciting time for dental hygienists to also discover how they can benefit from using intra-oral scanners, and the impact they have on client care.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the benefits and uses of intra-oral scanners
• Use digital models to explain findings to clients
• Learn how to use the CEREC PrimeScan

Date:

Saturday, November 30th, 2024

Time:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Registration & Continental Breakfast Begins at 8:00 AM)

A catered lunch will be provided!

Location:

Dentsply Sirona Academy

60 Courtneypark Drive

Mississauga, ON

What Your Colleagues Are Saying About Last Year's Conference

• Everything was excellent, so proud to be a part of an amazing group of dental professionals. ~ Sally
• All three courses and presenters were excellent today! Great review of old knowledge but new knowledge also gained. ~ Giona
• Overall the best full day course I have been to.  All presenters were exceptional leaders and role models. The facility and meal was excellent. ~ Shannon
• In person sessions make me feel refreshed and ready to go. Each presenter did a great job with providing vital information. ~Tara
• Overall day was awesome, so much knowledge and was refreshed for practice in the real world. Loved every presenter! ~ Deneeka
• All courses were very informative. I have learned alot. I will apply to my practice. ~ Jagjit
• The courses were very informative, educational and very useful. All presenters were fabulous and very educational. ~Balwinder
  
  

Bios:

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH

Kathleen has been bringing engaging energy to the dental profession for over 30 years. Kathleen is the founder and president of rdhu Inc., publisher for the Dental Hygiene Quarterly and the producer and cast member of The RDH View. An interactive and popular presenter, Kathleen is a Key Opinion Leader for Curion, LM-Dental, Crest+Oral-B, and Ivoclar Vivadent. She is passionate about making change happen and ensures that every program she presents will ignite a spark in the dental hygienist to implement change in their practice! 

Joe Siefried, RDH, Myofunctional Therapist

After leaving a career in Performing Arts Marketing, Joe began his journey in dental hygiene and oral health in 2006. Joe has been practicing Myofunctional Therapy for almost 10 years and it has become a passion in his daily practice, utilizing sleep dentistry, airway concepts and functional health to help his patients pursue optimum health.

Joe believes that all RDH’s should identify as educators. At the forefront, we are health educators. Joe is proud to be a part of the ever-evolving profession of dental hygiene. Joe is a lead presenter and speaker at rdhu Inc., a cross Canada continuing education group for RDH’s. He is the creator of their myofunctional therapy curriculum geared for dental hygienists.

Joe currently operates and owns Kingsmill Dental Hygiene and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Toronto, Canada.

Christine Crawford, RDH, B.Sc., M.Ed

Christine is an experienced clinician and educator. She has a true passion for education and life-long learning. Christine completed her Master of Education in Post-Secondary Studies. Her research involves supportive learning for all adult learners, with a focus on academic coaching.

She is knowledgeable in many aspects of dental hygiene, including periodontology, AdPIE process of care, dental radiography, and orthodontics, with interests specifically in obstructed airways and functional occlusion.

Christine was awarded the CDHO Peer Mentor of the Year in 2018 and is a Quality Assurance Coach with the rdhu. Christine promotes a fun and engaging learning environment where everyone can achieve personal and professional fulfillment.

Liisa Moore, RDH

Liisa is a registered dental hygienist with almost 20 years of experience specializing in orthodontics. Her extensive knowledge led her to become the Orthodontic Trainer and Core Presenter in Orthodontics at RDHU, where she also acts as a Quality Assurance Coach. Throughout her career, Liisa has also been a theory and clinical educator at Cambrian College, where she currently sits on the Program Advisory Committee for their dental hygiene program.

Liisa’s love for learning guided her to complete additional training and become a practicing myofunctional therapist and the online moderator for the Toronto North Dental Hygiene Society. She is a published author with articles in Oral Hygiene and Oh Canada Magazines, earning her a Reader’s Choice Award nomination. Outside the operatory, she is a Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates instructor, and Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Coach. Although Liisa loves to travel, she is a true homebody who enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and her dog.

Dani Botbyl, RDH

Dani Botbyl is an educator, author, and researcher and has been a trailblazer for the advancement of ultrasonic technology in dental hygiene practice and education in North America. She is credited with leading the first team of researchers to investigate the topic of ultrasonic instrumentation education in dental hygiene programs. The culmination of her knowledge and research has produced multiple publications in industry and peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. In 2018, with her co-authors, Dani was awarded the Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene Research Award for Best Original Research Paper. Dani co-authored the second edition of Ultrasonic Periodontal Debridement: Theory and Technique (2024) and is a contributing author to the sixth edition of Darby and Walsh Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice (2024). Dani has presented hundreds of evidence-based programs to dental hygiene students, faculty and practicing clinicians nationally and internationally, served as the National Clinical Educator with Dentsply Sirona 2000-2023 and held a faculty position at Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology in Welland, Ontario Canada for over a decade. Dani’s passion for enhancing the practice of dental hygiene create learning experiences that are not to be missed!

To connect with her directly go to Instagram @dani.ultrasonicoach

Sally Bassam, RRDH, BSc

Sally is a registered restorative dental hygienist (RRDH) currently working clinically and managing a private dental practice in Ontario, Canada. She is an integral part of a dental team who implements state of the art technology within a wide range of dental treatment offerings. Sally’s passion for and utilization of dental technology has transformed the way she practices; Sally is proud to offer her clients optimal treatment choices as she maximizes technology within her scope of practice, implementing ultrasonic instrument systems, diode lasers, intra-oral cameras and scanners, digital radiography, and software for clear aligner therapy. @SallyBassam_RRDH