Blue Grass District Dental Hygienists' Blog

It's about you...

2008-09-12T03:00:00.001-05:00

In2Hygiene...

2008-06-23T12:51:00.002-05:00

As you may know Facebook and MySpace are quite popular websites for networking and self-expression... well, RDHs now have an internet space for ourselves-

In2Hygiene

So connect and share... let's represent Kentucky proudly in the virtual RDH world!

Loren Depping's Dental Hygienist Song...

2008-04-30T19:30:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder if anyone would sing about his dental hygienist? Well, Loren has a wonderful song to make us proud- "a little bit of spit and a little bit of polish, I'm so glad she went to college" - brilliant! RDHs can't help but smile-

~click here to get to a Loren MySpace for a listen~

Volley of Words...

2007-12-03T15:10:00.000-05:00

Original NYT article is Boom Times for Dentists, but Not for Teeth

ADHA's Letter to the Editor regarding Boom Times article: Click here to read

Herald-Leader editorial: Too Much Bite

Response from Michael Porter, executive director of KDA: Criticism of Dentists Unfair

Response from Carla Gantz, KDHA president: More hygienists, fewer restrictions would serve KY

Please post your thoughts!

One of our own...

2007-11-05T17:12:00.000-05:00

Please take time to read this article from Modern Hygienist magazine- BGDDHA's Janella Spencer is the author! Thanks, Janella, for sharing your experience and knowledge!

Interesting NYT article...

2007-10-11T06:41:00.001-05:00

If there is a time to push forward the ADHP, now is that time... this NYT news article makes the case for a dental therapist... hmmmmmmmmm, any thoughts???

Boom times for Dentists, But Not for Teeth - Click to read

Must-see CE Speaker coming to Blue Grass!

2007-09-01T09:43:00.000-05:00

Fellow Kentucky Dental Hygienists,

University of Kentucky College of Dentistry Continuing Education is offering a CE class September 21st by Betsy Reynolds, RDH, MS. She is a marvelous speaker. She is entertaining, funny, and knowledgeable! I had the pleasure of attending her presentation this summer at the ADHA Annual Session. I highly recommend taking this CE course. Below are links for UK's information on the class, registration link, and another recommendation of hearing Betsy speak.
Click here for info on class.
Click here for registration online.
Click here for CE review/recommendation for Betsy.
Thanks! Gaynor

ADHA's new logo!

2007-06-23T09:35:00.000-05:00

Check out the new ADHA logo!
Also take the time to browse the updated ADHA website-
Unleasing your potential!

ADHA Emphasizes Access to Care Issues after Recent Tragedy

2007-03-05T11:34:00.000-05:00

Chicago—March 1, 2007—The Washington Post, on Wednesday, February 28, 2007, reported that a twelve-year-old boy in the Washington D.C. area, Deamonte Driver, had died of complications resulting from an untreated dental abscess, after bacteria from the untreated tooth had spread to his brain. Deamonte had undergone two brain surgeries and more than six weeks of hospital care. This story highlights what the Surgeon General called in 2000, a “silent epidemic” of dental disease that affects our most vulnerable citizens–poor children, the elderly, and many members of racial and ethnic minority groups.

In the greater Washington D.C. area, patients currently do not have direct access to dental hygienists because of restrictive public health policies. In many other states patients are allowed direct access to dental hygienists for preventive procedures, which has been an effective model in increasing access to care.

The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), along with many other oral health care organizations, has made finding a solution to expanding access to care a top priority in recent years. In 2004 ADHA created the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP), after a near-unanimous vote at its 81st annual session, as a practice model designed to have greater reach and impact upon the underserved populations in the U.S. By lowering restrictive barriers currently obstructing direct preventive care to the public and increasing basic restorative services, the ADHP will allow dental hygienists to be a more effective piece of the entire dental team.

“This is a sad, sad story,” says Margaret Lappan Green, RDH, MS, ADHA president. “Access to care is at crisis level in this country, and Deamonte's death emphasizes that even more. Hopefully the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner will significantly improve the level of access to care in this country, but until its completion, and even beyond, the dental community must look for new and creative ways to reach these underserved populations and maximize the potential of current technologies, such as teledentdistry, that are already in place. ”

Dental hygienists are prevention specialists who are uniquely qualified and positioned to meet the oral health needs of the underserved. Dental hygienists can detect signs and symptoms of many life-threatening diseases, educate patients to develop oral health care treatment plans, and serve as an invaluable pipeline for referring those who need the care of a dentist.

ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of 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.

Article: Lack of Dental Care Fatal to Maryland Child

2007-02-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

Click here to read the Washington Post article-

Community Dental Health Coordinator

2007-02-27T11:05:00.000-05:00

At the request of the American Dental Association's House of Delegates and with financial support from the ADA Foundation, the ADA is developing model training programs for a new personnel category-the Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC). The National Coordinating and Development Committee, chaired by Dr. Bob Brandjord, is responsible for developing a comprehensive curriculum model, including implementation and evaluation guidelines. Phase 1 of this project, the actual development of the curriculum, is well under way.
The National Committee also is working hard to identify funding for Phase 2 and at least three sites where the CDHC training program could be piloted in late 2007.
Click here for the pdf file for what CDHC is and interest in becoming one of the pilot programs.

Discussion Time- Let's talk amongst ourselves...

2007-02-22T16:50:00.000-05:00

"As a Kentucky dental hygienist, what is your vision for the future of the practice of dental hygiene in Kentucky?" Donna Mischel asks BGDDHA members, as well as, all practicing dental hygienists in Kentucky- it's time to voice your opinion on the direction dental hygienists should take. KDHA Annual Session is coming soon- the House of Delegates will be meeting.

Looks like the evidence is being presented in the media...

2007-01-20T09:29:00.000-05:00

DAILY CHECKUP

STUDY LINKS GUM DISEASE, CANCER

Harvard researchers say they have found strong evidence that gum disease might increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, the nation's fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths.

Read the rest of the article-

Wanting CE credits...

2006-11-20T13:30:00.000-05:00

University of Kentucky is sponsoring an all-day Continuing Education that would interest Registered Dental Hygienists entitled “Women’s Wellness: An Oral Health Perspective” (AM) and “Strategies for Oral Health: The Science, Psychology and Solutions” (PM) presented by Stacy McCauley, RDH, MD. The seminar is held at Four Points Sheraton, December 1, 2006 and is 8:30am-4:30pm including breakfast, lunch and breaks. All Day Fee is $125 for Hygienist/Auxiliary ($225 dentist) or $80 for Hygienist/Auxiliary ($125 dentist).
Visit www.mc.uky.edu/Dentistry website to register OR call (859)323-8187 (can also register by phone).
Donna says "This sounds interesting from a women’s standpoint and the majority of our patients are women as well."

KY Hy-PAC raffle...

2006-10-31T11:19:00.000-05:00

The raffle drawing will be at the November 14 CE Dinner meeting- and don't forget we can always accept KY Hy-PAC donations all year long!!!
Contact Donna Mischel for more details!

Dental Hygiene Compensation Article

2006-10-31T10:50:00.000-05:00

The link below is to an good article about salary and benefits for a RDH- just in case anyone is thinking about asking for a raise... enjoy! Click here!

BGDDHA gives donations...

2006-10-30T13:03:00.000-05:00

During National Dental Hygiene Month, BGDDHA gave generous to the Bluegrass Community & Technical College as well as to the Kentucky Dental Hygienists' Association- top above is Amelia Buell (KDHA President) accepting our donation from President Susan Sallee and just below that is Laura Justice accepting the donation for BCTC Dental Hygiene Program. We're proud to give back. Thanks to all the BGDDHA members!!!

"Kentucky seniors' dental care too easy to neglect" article

2006-10-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

Dr. Bob Henry was the speaker at our last CE dinner meeting- there is an article written in today's newspaper about Kentucky elders and dental health- check it out-

Job security...

2006-09-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

Thought this cartoon might bring a smile...

Inaugural Blog

2006-09-19T13:06:00.000-05:00

Life Members vs Retired Members...

2006-09-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

We seem to be questioning the difference between these two ADHA membership catagories-

A Life Member can be any voting member who has made outstanding contributions on a national level to both dental hygiene and the association through national, constituent or component service. She/he shall be eligible for Life Membership upon application to the Board of Trustees at least 30 days prior to the fall Board of Trustees meeting, nomination by the Board of Trustees and election by the House of Delagates. An elected President of the ADHA who has completed the term of office shall automatically become a Life Member. Dues are waived.

Retired/Senior member is any active member who has reached the age of 62 years and has been an active member for at least (1) 25 years, (2) 20 consecutive years, or (3) continuously from the date of eligibilty. She/he shall be eligible for Retired/Senior membership upon application to the Executive Director, and accompanied by proof of qualification. Dues are charged at 25% cost.

Hope this helps.

Patient communication...

2006-09-18T09:59:00.000-05:00

Below is a link to an article I found interesting about patient communication. We had a few lectures about communication skills when in dental hygiene school, but life experience was the real teacher. I thought the article made some good suggestions about patient dialogue as well as explaining the use of body language. If I had a dollar for every time a patient asked about insurance coverage, I'd be a rich woman! I feel good communication skills are a wonderful asset for a RDH.
Here's the link- patient communication article- enjoy!

BGDDHA moving into cyberspace...

2006-09-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

First we created a website- bgddha.org - and now this blog! Yes, we are moving into electronic format. BGDDHA needs a good communication forum. We invite members and potential members, as well as other hygienists, to comment and participate on our blog. I hope to post updated information BGDDHA members might be interested in knowing, BGDDHA news, Bluegrass SADHA news, articles of interest to RDHs, and lots of links. Thanks!