2022 Season

Waiting To Inhale?

Do you know enough about cannabis to have THAT conversation with your patients?

The DEA considers cannabis to have no accepted medical use. Therefore, it is illegal to possess. Yet, almost every state has enacted legislation aimed at legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis for medical or recreational use. Despite this rise in social and legal acceptance, public health concerns regarding the use of cannabis remain, especially among dental professionals since the major routes of administration of cannabis involves the oral cavity. This program will introduce dental professionals to the pharmacology of cannabis, including its various dosage forms, routes of administration and adverse reactions. Special emphasis will be placed on the effects of cannabis use on oral health and dental treatment, as well as the proposed use of cannabis in dentistry for the management of patient anxiety and odontogenic pain.

Course Objectives:

• Discuss the history and various types of cannabis, as well as its current legal status and proposed uses in dentistry.
• Describe the pharmacology of cannabis, including its mechanism of action, routes of administration and available formulations.
• Identify the effects of cannabis on major organ systems.
• Explain the clinical considerations of cannabis use, including adverse reactions, drug interactions and contraindications.
• Explore the dental considerations of cannabis, including potential treatment modifications, and strategies for patient care planning.

Biography:

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Tom provides valuable insight on the complex interplay between pharmacology and physiology so that clinicians may be knowledgeable about not only the dental considerations of medications used to treat systemic illness but also the systemic considerations of medications used to provide dental treatment. As an educator, Tom is a member of the faculty of over 10 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for outstanding teacher of the year. As an author, Tom is well known for his contributions to several professional journals, has served as a contributor, chapter author and peer reviewer for several pharmacology textbooks and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs. As a speaker, Tom has presented over 1000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.

Rationale for Full Arch Implant Reconstruction

To keep teeth or not to keep teeth, that is the question! We will discuss factors in the decision making as to whether or not to keep teeth, how to make diagnosis of difficult cases easier and review co-morbidities and how that relates to prognostic decision making. We will discuss the different types of implant supported full arch reconstructions, benefits and limitations, why and where to place implants, and how to convert and restore full arch hybrid implant reconstructions, better known as All on 4.

Course Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of why implant reconstruction provides an excellent “Long-Term” prognosis as compared to attempting to keep teeth in certain patient populations.
• Gain insight of how the three key diagnostic parameters of the front tooth, occlusal plane, and the presence of anchor teeth can make difficult cases easier for diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Gain a understanding of how prosthodontic work-up leads to ideal placement of implants in dental implant reconstruction (why and where to place implants for certain situations).
• Gain an understanding of the conversion process.
• A review of clinical cases displaying different clinical scenarios.

Biography:

Dr. Cunningham was raised in a dental family in West Virginia where his father was a general dentist. After spending much time in and around the dental field as a child he decided he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. Dr. Cunningham received all of his training at West Virginia University (DDS 2000, GPR 2001, Pros 2009). After completing his prosthodontic training, he spent three years on the dental school faculty at WVU and achieved the rank of Assistant Director of the Graduate Prosthodontic Program. In 2012 Dr. Cunningham entered private practice at Durham Prosthodontics and…… he has never looked back. He achieved board certification in 2015 is very proud to be awarded the American College of Prosthodontics Private Practice Award in 2018. Simply put, Dr. Cunningham loves what he does…….practicing clinical dentistry, trying to achieve excellence, and he thrives on building relationships with his patients. Dr. Cunningham lectures nationally for multiple implant companies. When not in practice Dr. Cunningham enjoys spending time with his wife Karen and his two spunky daughters AnnaLee 7 and Audrey 4.

Sjogren’s Syndrome, Auto-Immune Disease, & the Critical Role of the Dental Team

The American College of Rheumatology estimates that between 400,000 and 3.1 million adults suffer from Sjogren’s Syndrome. One of the largest side effects of this disease is xerostomia and rampant dental decay. As dental providers we have the ability to enhance the lives and improve the oral health of individuals suffering from this incurable autoimmune disorder, but in order to do that we must better understand this disease. As a dental hygienist that has suffered from this progressive disease, I can offer a provider and patient perspective. A Sjogren’s informed dental team is one that can change lives! In addition, more Americans are being diagnosed with various autoimmune disorders, many of which have oral complications. As a dental team, we are in a prime position to help these patients understand the interventions necessary to improve their oral and overall health.

Course Objectives:

• Review Sjogren’s syndrome and it’s symptoms.
• Understand the most common diagnosed autoimmune disorders.
• Discuss the possible oral complications these autoimmune disorders exhibit.
• Discuss the treatment options and the oral side effects from those medications.
• Identify the role we play in helping these patients and interventions that can improve the oral health of these patients.
• Explore product recommendations for Sjogren’s and all patients suffering from dry mouth and/or oral complications.

Biography:

Brooke Crouch is dental hygienist with over a decade of experience in the dental industry. Brooke has worked in many aspects of dental hygiene from private to public health, including policy work in her home state of Virginia, as well as adjunct faculty at Virginia Western Community College’s dental hygiene program. Brooke is passionate about prevention and education and understands the importance of educating patients and her dental colleagues. Brooke is a national speaker, writer, and serves on various boards at a state and national level. As a dry mouth patient herself, Brooke has made it her mission to raise awareness of the impact of dry mouth and quality of life. Brooke is an active member of the Virginia Dental Hygiene Association and loves networking with her dental colleagues. She is the newest addition to the RDH Magazine Editorial Advisory Board for 2022.

Oral Cancer Screenings

• Synthesize oral anatomic subsites and most common pathology.
• Highlight clinical and radiographic features suggestive of malignancy.
• Discuss the process of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Biography:

Sarah Glass grew up in Virginia. She attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate degree and obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Virginia Commonwealth University. After dental school, she completed a three-year Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology residency at New York Presbyterian/Queens. Sarah Glass is a Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Today, she works as an assistant professor at VCU School of Dentistry. Her job responsibilities include teaching, working in the biopsy service, seeing oral medicine patients, and conducting research.

Smile Confidently With Full Arch Rehabilitation Solutions

This program offers solutions to help you and your patients achieve beautiful, confident and healthy smiles. Edentulism and failing dentition continue to be major health challenges affecting millions of people worldwide. ZIMMER BIOMET offers a variety of ideas that simplify implant retained and bar retained overdenture therapy for clinicians, while providing an improved quality of life for each patient.

Course Objectives:

Review the most common treatment modalities for edentulous and partially edentulous patients.

The following topics will be discussed in detail:

• Implant-Supported Overdentures vs. Bar-Supported Overdentures vs. Fixed Hybrid Restoration.
  Partial Overlay Opportunities.
• Learn About the Features and Benefits of the OverdenSure.
• Program Will Include OverdenSure OTS Over The Shoulder Reviewing Processing Techniques.

Biography:

Wayne Szara is a Technologies Specialist with ZIMMER BIOMET Technical Services. He is a 29 year CDT with over 31 years of experience in the dental industry. A graduate of Triton College and Southern Illinois University with degrees in dental technology and vocational education, Wayne has a broad knowledge of laboratory procedures and the skills to present new information in a clear and interesting manner. For 18 years, Wayne has been presenting numerous seminars for ZIMMER BIOMET, including hands-on implants and implant prosthetics programs throughout North America as well as internationally. His programs are presented to oral surgeons, periodontists, general dentists, denturists, dental technicians and even patients. Daily, he helps dentists and dental technicians with their questions about restoring dental implants. A published author, Wayne’s technical articles have appeared in peer-reviewed journals, and he is recognized by the military as an outstanding seminar leader in their professional development program for dentists and dental technicians. In addition, he has worked for Sterngold and 3M ESPE.

“Take It On The Run, Baby!”

It’s a fast-paced world and many patients may seek the assistance of substances to cope and get through their busy, trying days.

The use and abuse of both licit and illicit substances has the potential to produce adverse reactions and life-threatening

medical emergencies during dental treatment. This comprehensive program will explore strategies for identifying the dental patient using and abusing substances, as well as techniques for effective patient management and treatment. Special emphasis will be given to a discussion of patients with previously existing or current substance abuse and the impact on patients using cannabis for medical and recreational purposes.

Course Objectives:

• Discuss the impact of substance dependence and abuse on dental therapy and on overall patient health.
• Identify the most common illicit and licit substances of abuse and dependence and discuss:
• Street names
• Common adverse effects
• Oral manifestations
• Dental treatment considerations
• Describe techniques useful in identifying and successfully managing patient substance use and dependency.

Biography:

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Tom provides valuable insight on the complex interplay between pharmacology and physiology so that clinicians may be knowledgeable about not only the dental considerations of medications used to treat systemic illness but also the systemic considerations of medications used to provide dental treatment. As an educator, Tom is a member of the faculty of over 10 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for outstanding teacher of the year. As an author, Tom is well known for his contributions to several professional journals, has served as a contributor, chapter author and peer reviewer for several pharmacology textbooks and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs. As a speaker, Tom has presented over 1000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.