Contemporary Dental Radiography: Review of Safety, Imaging Success, & Common Technique Errors

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Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the dental practitioner should be able to:
1. define radiation and relate its potentially harmful effects to safety protocols
2. write office radiation policies that reduce clinician and patient exposure
3. implement techniques that produce high-quality diagnostic images
4. identify common imaging errors and understand appropriate corrective measures
5. distinguish between 2D and 3D imaging and understand their dental applications. 

Abstract

Dental radiology requires that clinicians have an in-depth understanding and respect for the laws of ionizing  radiation as well as an earnest drive to protect themselves  and patients from possible harmful effects. This course will  present current research-based radiation safety protocols  as outlined by leading national organizations in the United  States. In addition to capturing radiographs safely, dental  professionals also need to produce high-quality, diagnostic  images. This course will cover imaging principles that  produce diagnostically sound radiographs, review capturing  techniques, and identify common radiographic errors and corrective actions.

Human Trafficking: Exploring the Dental Implications

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Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

Educational Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to:
1. Describe the types of human trafficking that occur both globally and exclusively in the United States
2. Recognize the indicators of human trafficking
3. Know the proper way to add a trauma-informed approach to your practice
4. Incorporate the correct way to approach a victim with a choice of words and actions
5. Recognize the dental indicators that suggest a trafficking victim
6. List 10 physical or behavioral key indicators that your patient may be a trafficking victim.

Abstract

Though problematic on a global scale, human trafficking has become a heightened concern in the United States. In this course, the types of human trafficking are discussed with variations in gender, locales, and specific laws related to trafficking. Documentation suggests that 87% of victims have seen a healthcare provider during captivity. This course informs healthcare professionals on the clear indicators that suggest trafficking and lists specific protocol to assist not only in reporting the trafficking situation but also in obtaining assistance for the victim. Dental indicators, behavioral indicators, and clear language specific to these situations are presented.

OSHA Requirement Training and Updates

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Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

Educational Objectives

• Acquire updated and current information about OSHA safety practices and policies, as well as HIPAA privacy policy information and practice compliance
• Understand best practices for all mandates involving Infection Control requirements and Covid-19 interim systems
• Obtain annual federal mandates for compliance training and applications for dentistry

Abstract

The OSHA Updates program is specifically designed to inform and educate dental professionals on safe work processes and best practices for safety and Infection Control compliance. A special look at Covid-19 and Airborne Transmission Prevention recommendations will also be examined. A comprehensive review of regulations, required documentation, and systems implementation will be covered during this lecture. A review of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, education expectations, labeling and posting requirements, proper PPE implementation along with employer and employee compliance requirements will be outlined for practical application in the dental office environment.

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Dental Providers' Drug Reference for the U.S. Opioid Epidemic

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Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

Educational Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to:
• Discuss the origin of orofacial pain and appropriate pain management practices.
• Describe the pharmacodynamics (effects and mechanism of action) of non-narcotic and opioid analgesic classes of drugs.
• Recognize their responsibility and contribution to opioid use disorders and apply proper pain management techniques to help decrease the opioid epidemic in America.

Abstract

Opioid abuse and deaths from overdose have reached epidemic levels in the United States. These drug classes cause significant systemic changes and carry a high risk for tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Dental providers who have the authority to prescribe opioids have a responsibility to the public to ensure appropriate pain management protocols are followed so patients do not run the risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. This course will present information and statistics about commonly misused opioids, pharmacodynamics of non-narcotic and opioid analgesics, and dental pain origin and management.

Infection Control for California Dental Professionals

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Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

Educational Objectives

The goal of this course is to provide a general overview of infection prevention in the dental setting. After completing this course, the reader should be able to:
1. Define modes of transmission in the dental setting.
2. Describe appropriate hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment during patient care and other activities.
3. Review the management of clinical contact surfaces.
4. List and describe steps in instrument reprocessing.
 

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Abstract

Infection prevention is a key activity in the dental office, essential to prevent the transmission of microorganisms and disease among patients and dental healthcare personnel. It must be performed in a reliable and effective manner in accordance with current recommendations to ensure patient safety, and in accordance with regulations that protect the safety and health of dental healthcare personnel. Infection prevention protocols that are effective, reliable, and standardized promote health and safe dental visits.