Key Professional Trends to be Discussed at the 83rd Annual Session of the American Dental Hygienists' Association in Orlando

Chicago–June 19, 2006–Nearly 900 registered dental hygienists (RDH) from across the United States will discuss key trends in their profession at the 83rd annual session of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) in Orlando, Fla. June 21-28.

News Highlights

ADHA Hosts Discussion on Development Status for the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner

In an effort to address the severe oral health disparities plaguing millions across the U.S., ADHA adopted three key resolutions at its 81st annual session in 2004 in Dallas that set the stage for creating an advanced dental hygiene practitioner (ADHP), which will impact the oral health of the public. The curriculum development has been underway in the last year. This year, ADHA discusses the status of the curriculum development, including a presentation of the revised curriculum and feedback received from the ADHP Advisory Committee. An overview of the legislative achievements, policy updates and collaborations with other professional health care and/or community organizations will also be featured. Already a major topic among those in dentistry, the ADHP is a key development in the advancement of the dental hygiene profession.

• Wednesday, June 21, 4 to 6 p.m., Educator’s Forum, Deborah Lyle, RDH, MS, Chair, ADHP Task Force.

Oral Health and Systemic Health Connection Featured in Continuing Education Course on Inflammation

Research continues to explore the link between periodontal (gum) disease and many systemic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Dental hygienists are instrumental in identifying the presence and extent of the periodontal infection, and work with patients both to treat existing periodontal problems and to prevent future complications. ADHA supplies dental hygienists with current information and evidence on this link through a continuing education course that will also discuss the rationale for biological principles and risk factors for disease, as well as a review of the diseases with known or potential inflammatory links. Established and emerging methods for combating oral and systemic inflammation will also be included.

• Thursday, June 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Give Me Fever: How Inflammation and the Periodontal Infection Influence Systemic Health: A Look at the Current Evidence, Deborah Lyle, RDH, MS.

Dental Hygiene Around the World Spotlighted

Differences in education, economic pressures, politics and diverse societal viewpoints make dental hygiene practice unique in different countries. Conversely, global changes in demographics, oral health status and increased consumer knowledge and expectations unite the profession as a solitary entity. These similarities have resulted from a worldwide move from treatment to prevention, emphasizing promotion of individual responsibility for health care decisions. There is increased importance placed on access and cost effectiveness in the provision of services and efforts to streamline health care systems.

There is a growing acceptance that oral health is an essential component of total health and increasing acknowledgment that dental hygiene services are essential elements in attaining those goals. The profession of dental hygiene has, as a primary goal, the prevention of disease and promotion of wellness. In addition, access to quality preventive oral health care services and increasing public awareness that oral disease can be prevented through proven regimens is a message that is comparable worldwide.

• Friday, June 23, 9 to 10 a.m., Dental Hygiene Around the World: Advancing Access for the New Age, Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS.

ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the more than 120,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at http://www.adha.org.

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