As a dental hygiene professional, you have a vital role not only in oral health but also in recognizing signs of mental health challenges in those around you.

Take this one-day virtual journey of empowerment to learn strategies that help you recognize and respond to mental health challenges, whether you’re looking to support your colleagues, students, patients or to foster a healthier supportive community and workplace.

May 3, 2025 | Virtual
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
Up to 5.75 Live CE Credits
Course Recording Included

ADHA Members $89
Nonmembers $119

Includes a $10 Chipotle e-gift card to use for lunch!

Register Now

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Thank you to Young Dental and GoTü for their generous sponsorship of select sessions in this course.

  GoTu logo and Young Dental Logo

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Course Speakers 

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR SPEAKERS

Through expert-led sessions explore:
• Recognition of mental health warning signs in different populations
• Intervention strategies for supporting others in crisis
• Methods for fostering a supportive workplace culture
• Resources and referral pathways for comprehensive care

Join us for this immersive workshop dedicated to building a more supportive dental hygiene community and gain practical tools to make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Register Now

Subject to Change. Sessions listed in Central Time.

PROGRAM  (📄 PDF)

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM| 0.25 CE
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA
ADHA Director of Education, Research & Advocacy

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | 0.75 CE
Let’s be Mindful About Dental Hygiene Students’ Mental Health
Beth Monnin, RDH, MSEd

— A.M. BREAK, 11:00 – 11:15 AM —

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | 0.75 CE
Behind the Smile: Exploring Dental Hygienists’ Role in the Mental Health Crisis 
Alyssa Delgado, RDH, RF, MSDH

—  LUNCH BREAK, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM —
All Participants receive a $10 Chipotle gift card to use for lunch!

12:45 PM – 1:30 PM | 0.75 CE
Chasing the Day: Mental Health and the Clinical Dental Hygienist 
Rina Nowka, RDH, MA, FADHA
Esther Tinque, RDH, BA, MA

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | 0.75 CE
Centered in Practice: Strategies for Strength, Clarity & Balance 
Kelly Tanner, RDH, PhD
Session sponsored by Young Dental
Young Dental Logo

 

— P.M. BREAK, 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM —

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | 0.75 CE
Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation for Individuals with Comorbid Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Ann Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH

3:15 PM – 4:45 PM | 1.5 CE
Sit, Stretch, Breathe: A Path to Workplace Well-Being
Crystal Kandaris Lane, RDH, MSRDH, PhD, FSCDH
gotu temp agency logoSession sponsored by GoTü

 

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM | 0.25 CE
Summary and Closing Remarks

Up to 5.75 Live CE Credits*

* State stipulations on live CE change occasionally. Check with your state for specific guidelines.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

  1. Understand the statistics of mental health issues.
  2. Identify warning signs of mental health deterioration.
  3. Understand the health implications of mental health issues.
  4. Learn how to conduct mindfulness exercises to use with students to enhance their mental health.
  5. Recognize risk factors and symptoms of mental health conditions.
  6. Identify resources available for individuals with mental health needs and make appropriate referrals.
  7. Demonstrate appropriate interventions for mental health crises that may occur in the dental setting.
  8. Identify and discuss outcomes for individuals and families with mental health needs.
  9. Identify the most common types of stress and stress triggers in clinical dental hygiene.
  10. Discuss how working in an anxiety/fear-based profession adds to the dental hygienist’s stress level.
  11. Recognize how an individual’s behavior can impact their stress levels.
  12. Discuss how stress management techniques can improve the dental hygienist’s mental health and overall wellbeing.
  13. Describe how humor and a supportive environment can positively impact our well-being.
  14. Identify key signs of emotional fatigue and early burnout specific to the dental hygiene profession.
  15. Describe the connection between mental wellness and clinical performance, including communication, focus, and patient care.
  16. Establish clear, healthy boundaries in the workplace to protect mental energy and prevent overwhelm.
  17. Recognize the impact of workplace culture and team dynamics on individual well-being and mental health.
  18. Discuss reasons why SUD and mental illnesses co-occur.
  19. Identify and discuss co-morbid medical conditions with SUD.
  20. Discuss risk factors, associated symptoms and treatment options for SUD.
  21. Identify intra- and extraoral signs associated with various types of SUD.
  22. Discuss necessary modifications to deliver treatment safety to those with SUD.
  23. Understand the prevalence and causes of workplace pain and stress.
  24. Evaluate their own causes, severity, and frequency of workplace pain and stress.
  25. Identify barriers to addressing workplace stresses, both physical and mental.
  26. Perform mild chair yoga stretching and breathing series to alleviate physical and mental stress.
  27. Value the effectiveness of the sit, stretch, breathe techniques they learned and be motivated to incorporate these well-being methods into their daily routines.

American Dental Hygienists Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.