PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:   Most dental patients take multiple medications, many of which have oral complications and drug interactions of significance to dentistry. The purpose of this program is to review characteristics and disease trends among the aging population, and oral disease risks associated with medications and common systemic diseases.  Common systemic conditions, including cognitive impairments, emphasizing symptoms, and risks and management strategies will be reviewed.  Medication therapies, oral drug and disease complications, drug interactions and dental practice considerations will be discussed. Common oral conditions, including xerostomia, fungal infections, viral infections, and taste alteration will be explored, with a discussion about appropriate interventions and products.  The use of antibiotics in the elderly will also be discussed.  Recommendations for treatment modifications and oral hygiene self-care programs will be provided.   

FACULTY: Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, RDH, PhD, is an internationally recognized author and speaker on pharmacology and the care of medically complex patients.  She has presented over 800 lectures and has over 75 professional publications.  Dr. Spolarich is a Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Director of the National Center for Dental Hygiene Research at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, is an Adjunct Associate Professor and Course Director of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, and a Clinical Instructor on the Dean’s Faculty at the University of Maryland Dental School.  She is also an independent educational and research consult, while practicing dental hygiene part-time -- specializing in geriatrics.

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

• discuss the pathophysiology of common diseases associated with aging, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, other degenerative diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and neuropsychiatric disorders,

• describe signs, symptoms and risks for common systemic diseases,

• identify the major classes of medications used to treat these conditions,

• discuss the oral side effects and other adverse events associated with each of these disease states and related medication therapies and treatment interventions,

• identify modifications necessary to safely treat patients who present with these medical conditions,

• recommend appropriate oral hygiene strategies for each of these patient populations.

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and other Dental Professionals

AGENDA:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM           Registration, Sign-In, Continental Breakfast, and Introductions

 

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM           Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Arthritis, and Degenerative Diseases = Signs, Symptoms, Risks,        
                                              and Oral Care Considerations

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM         Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM        Gastrointestinal Disorders, Neuropsychiatric Conditions = Signs, Symptoms, Risks and Oral
                                             Care Considerations

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

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM            Disease and Drug-Induced Oral Complications: Xerostomia, Fungal Infections, Viral Infections,
                                             Bacterial Infections, Taste Alteration, Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM           Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM          Oral Care Interventions and Educational Strategies, Risk Reduction Strategies in the Dental Setting

4:30 PM                            Program Closing and Evaluation

CONTINUING EDUCATION: 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. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Continuing Education Credit: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System designates this activity for 6 continuing education credits. 

REGISTRATION: Registration fee is $190.00 for dentists, $125.00 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.  Space is limited. Registration is not complete until payment received. Refunds, minus a $15.00 processing fee, will be made until three days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $20.00 processing fee for any returned checks. 
Confirmation letters will not be sent.