October is National Dental Hygiene Month! It’s our time to celebrate the work we do and promote the importance of oral health access for all! All month long we’re sharing informative digital content, hosting an amazing live event in Stamford, CT and streaming online, posting trivia and giving away prizes from ADHA and goodies from our partners and National Dental Hygiene Month sponsor Colgate® Oral Pharmaceuticals Inc. Follow us @youradha!
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Sign up for a complimentary product bundle!
A special thank you for National Dental Hygiene Month! Dental hygienists are invited to sign up to receive a new offering from Colgate® which may include professional product samples. Bundles will ship in early 2025.
Weekly $50 Winner!
The drawing ended on October 24, 2024. Winners have been notified. Prize is from ADHA. Winners will be notified by November 7, 2024. See Official Rules.
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October 24 #PostYourPurple Highlights
#PostYourPurple was so much fun! 
You rocked your purple with pride, hair scrubs, hats, shirts – all of it! Purple is our legacy since 1897 when the color lilac was chosen for the emblem of National Association of Dental Faculties. Compassion, purpose and inspiration – that’s what we’re made of. Thanks for celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month with us and painting social purple on October 24 to spread the #RDHpurple love. Check out the highlights >>
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WEEK 4: DO OR DRY – XEROSTOMIA
An 84-year-old male presented for a routine prophylaxis and disclosed a complex medical history. Examination and clinical assessments reveal a new oral lesion and increased bleeding upon probing. Individual remarked having a dry mouth from his CPAP machine. His chief complaint is obtaining a refill for whitening trays.
What factors contribute to xerostomia?
How does xerostomia impact periodontal hard and soft structures?
What factors contribute to oral lesions on the soft palate & tongue?
What comorbidities are associated with OSA?
WEEK 3: RDH INVESTIGATES PODCAST
Episode 147, Released October 8, 2024
Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA
Guests: Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC and Phyllis Martina, RDH, MBA, FADHA
Dental hygienists are oral health detectives – expertly investigating, identifying and advising. Matt, Amanda and Phyllis discuss importance of hygienists’ investigative expertise and their unique role in uncovering signs, identifying issues, and recommending treatment and products to their patients.
WEEK 2: DIY ORTHODONTIA
A 21-year-old female patient presented for a routine prophylaxis. Examination and clinical assessments reveal mobility, sensitivity, and erythematous gingival tissue on maxillary central incisors. For several years she had repeatedly applied rubber bands to her own teeth to attempt to close a diastema.
What factors contribute to bone loss of the periodontium?
What factors contribute to worsening oral health?
What is plaque biofilm’s role in periodontal disease progression?
How does bruxism impact periodontal hard and soft structures?
Why is Stage IV Grade C periodontitis so concerning in a 21-year-old?
WEEK 1: ONCOLOGY PATIENT CASE
Alex is a middle-aged patient who recently completed chemotherapy. She reports oral discomfort, and her salivary flow test reveals significantly reduced saliva production. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is being considered as part of her treatment plan.
What could be causing these symptoms?
What are the possible implications?
What toothbrush and interdental care products would be best?
What are benefits and potential drawbacks of SDF for her?
RDH INVESTIGATES LIVE!
Occurred Saturday, October 19, 2024
Stamford, CT & Livestreamed | 5.0 CE credits
Recording available soon!
SPEAKERS
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- Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH
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- Bernice Dabrowski-Iwinski, BSDH, RDH
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- Dr. Cameron Shahbazian, DMD, MBA
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- Christine Ochsner, RDH, MBA
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Volunteer during National Dental Hygiene Month!
In partnership with Colgate® Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) program, the IOH Foundation is offering nationwide volunteer opportunities throughout October. These are fun events for students and licensed dental hygienists to give back by serving communities in need! View volunteer shift dates, locations, and hours at eight BSBF mobile units across the U.S.
