PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: 

AM - EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE -- Advances in medicine and science during the early and mid 20th century re-enforced the common perception that microbial diseases no longer presented a major concern for human infection. What went unrecognized was the reality that microorganisms have enormous potential for evolution and adaptation to external factors affecting their surrounding environments. As proof, infectious diseases described over the past 4 decades include those caused by newly discovered microbial pathogens, re-emergent infections with drug-resistant strains, and infections which have become increasingly resistant to previously successful antimicrobials. In addition to presenting threats to the general population, a number of these infections also present occupational risks to health care providers. This seminar will consider infectious challenges presented by multiple microbial groups and diseases. These are blood-borne pathogens (hepatitis B and C viruses), bioaerosols (influenza viruses, including avian influenza, and tuberculosis), and direct contact (staphylococcal infections including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus {MRSA}) in the context of current epidemiology and scientific evidence. Included in the discussion are features and impact of clinical infection, risk factors, potential for microbial transmission, and appropriate infection control precautions for dental and medical professionals.

PM - IMMUNE COMPROMISED PATIENT -- Clinicians continue to encounter an increasing number of patients who have been diagnosed with diseases and conditions which compromise host immune defenses. A major challenge resulting from the original medical problem is subsequent immunosuppression and predisposition of the person to infection. This seminar will consider selected diagnosed diseases which can manifest quantitative or qualitative defects in immune capabilities, along with a resultant patient susceptibility to a variety of microbial infections. Included will be persons with representative autoimmune disorders (i.e. systemic lupus erythematosus), cirrhosis and other liver dysfunctions, diabetes melitus, functional or anatomic asplenia, leukopenic challenges resulting from neoplasia or transplantation, as well as multiple acquired immune deficiency syndromes arising as sequelae to a primary microbial infection. In an emerging era of opportunistic infection, medical and dental clinicians must strive to develop stronger professional relationships, in order to best address multiple infectious disease challenges for this expanding patient population.

FACULTY: John A. Molinari, Ph.D.,

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to: 

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  dentists, dental hygienists, and other interested dental office staff. 

CE STATEMENTS: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System is an ADA-CERP Recognized Provider.  The formal continuing education programs of this sponsor are accepted by AGD for Fellowship/Mastership credit.  The current term of acceptance extends from December 2005-December 2009.  This program has been approved for 6 contact hours. 

AGENDA: 

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM               Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM            Emerging infectious Diseases

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM          Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM          Emerging infectious Diseases (cont.)

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM            Lunch (on our own)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM              Infections in the Immune Compromised Patient

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM              Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM              Immune Compromised Patient (cont.)

4:30 PM                                Program Closure

REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fee is $175.00 for dentists, $119.00 for all other dental professionals.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $18.00.  Includes continental breakfast, break refreshments, and course material.  Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Visa, Discover & Mastercard accepted.  Payments must be received at least 5 days prior to the program to ensure registration availability. Refunds, minus a $10 processing fee, will be made until 3 days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $15.00 processing fee for any returned checks.
Confirmation letters will not be sent.