VADHA Curet Volume 38 issue 3 Winter 2014

The Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association CURET  OUR MISSION “THE MISSION OF THE VIRGINIA DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION IS TO IMPROVE THE PUBLIC’S TOTAL HEALTH AND ADVANCE THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF DENTAL HYGIENE.”   OUR VISION Oral health professionals promoting total health   Update Subscription Preferences or Unsubscribe Copyright © 2014 The Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a VDHA registered member.  Our mailing address is: The Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association 312 Groseclose Street Marion, VA 24354 Add us to your address book   Your 2014 Winter Edition Curet Volume 38 Issue 3 is now ready for viewing   Click Here to View Curet Now Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward this to a Friend

13 Awful Things That Happen If You Don't Brush And Floss Your Teeth

Can't ever find the time to take care of your teeth? About half of Americans don't floss daily, and one in five don't brush twice daily - so you're not alone.

But you may want to reconsider.

"Taking care of your teeth and gums isn't just about preventing cavities or bad breath," the American Dental Association warns. "The mouth is a gateway into your body's overall health."

It's almost impossible to prove a cause-effect relationship between dental neglect and various conditions because researchers would have to create a control group that ignored their teeth completely for a long time - something that would likely be harmful enough to be considered unethical. But there's mounting evidence that shows an association between poor dental hygiene and a wide variety of ills.

You should visit the dentist at least once a year, and the ADA recommends that you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day. If you choose to ignore their advice, you'll get cavities, sure - but here are 13 other things you're at risk of, some more common than others.

1. Gum disease

Most people don't realize this, but your gums are not supposed to bleed when you brush and floss. If yours do, you probably have gum disease - or are at least well on your way. Gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, makes gums red, swollen, and quick-to-bleed - part of a response to the bacteria in the plaque that builds up between your teeth and gums. More than half of Americans have gingivitis.

If plaque spreads, the immune response heightens and can destroy tissues and bones in the mouth, creating pockets between the teeth that can become infected. (Other conditions unrelated to oral hygiene habits can also have these effects.) At this severe stage, gum disease is called periodontitis, and it can become chronic. Google "periodontitis," and you might become more vigilant about oral hygiene.

Source: American Academy of Periodontology; Clinical Calcium, 2012

2. Tooth loss

If you've never worried about losing your teeth, you should start. Adults 20 to 64 have lost an average of seven (permanent) teeth, and 10% of Americans between 50 and 64 have absolutely no teeth left. Both cavities and gum disease can end in tooth loss.

Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

3. Bad breath

Bad breath, clinically called halitosis, may affect as much as 65% of the population. A number of conditions can have halitosis as a symptom, but the number one by far is poor oral hygiene. Food particles that linger long after meals can start to stink, and the less you brush and floss, the more potentially malodorous bacteria build up in your mouth. The coating on your tongue is also a key contributor to bad breath, and some research has suggested that cleaning your tongue - along with regular brushing and flossing, of course - may help reign in this problem.

Source: Internal and Emergency Medicine, 2011; International Journal of Oral Science, 2012; Nursing Research, 2013

4. Dementia



A large, long-term study of residents at a Laguna Hills retirement community suggests that there may be a link between poor dental health and dementia, although it's possible that people with better oral hygiene have better health habits in general. Researchers followed 5,468 people for 18 years and found that - among those who still had teeth - those "who reported not brushing their teeth daily had a 22% to 65% greater risk of dementia than those who brushed three times daily." In addition, a small study found that the brains of patients with Alzheimer's had more bacteria associated with gum disease than did those belonging to the cognitively healthy.

Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2012; Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2013

5. Pneumonia



When pathogens lurk in your mouth, you inhale them right into your lungs, where they can wreak all kinds of havoc. One major review pointed to this process as the reason for an association between poor oral hygiene and hospital-acquired pneumonia. Improving oral hygiene - through some methods beyond brushing and flossing in this case - reduced the incidence of such pneomonia by 40%. Another study of 315 patients in a Brazilian hospital found that those with periodontitis were almost three times as likely to have pneomonia.

Source: Annals of Periodontology, 2003; Journal of Periodontology, 2013; Gerondontology, 2013

6. Erectile dysfunction

A connection between dental disease and erectile dysfunction may seem remote, but preliminary research suggests that the conditions could be linked. They both have been tied to Vitamin D deficiency, smoking, and general inflammation, but the exact reason for the association is still a mystery. One study in rats found that periodontitis impaired penis function. While it's unclear whether the same direct effects would be found in humans, in a group of patients between 30 and 40, 53% of those with erectile dysfunction had severe periodontitis, while only 23% of those without ED did. "We think that it will be of benefit to consider periodontal disease as a causative clinical condition of ED in such patients," the authors wrote.

Source: The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2011; The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2012; Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2012

7. Brain abscess

Often caused by bacterial infection, an abscess is a collection of pus, with swelling and inflammation around it. In the brain, it is fatal if left untreated. "A poor dental condition, notably destructive periodontal disease, can be a risk for life-threatening" disease in other parts of the body, noted a team of scientists who pinpointed a patient's extremely poor dental health as the likely cause of his life-threatening brain abscess. Brain abscesses are rare, and there has been no systematic study linking them to bad dental hygiene. But the authors noted at least 12 other case reports of brain abscess that pointed to poor dental hygiene as the probable cause.

Source: Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2011

8. Diabetes



Dentists have long known that diabetes is a risk factor for periodontitis, but now research is beginning to indicate that the relationship may be bidirectional. Extremely poor dental health may also be a risk factor for insulin resistance (often called "pre-diabetes") and diabetes, largely because it increases inflammation. Some studies have even indicated that in patients with both conditions, reigning in periodontitis may improve diabetes control.

Source: Annals of Periodontology, 1998; Diabetes Care, 2010; Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, 2012; Journal of Applied Oral Science, 2013

9. Kidney disease



About 3.7% of U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease, but certain people are more at risk. People with periodontal disease were 4.5 times more likely to have chronic kidney disease, making poor dental health a stronger risk factor than high cholesterol. Adults with no remaining teeth were also 11 times more likely to have chronic kidney disease. While dental conditions are not the strongest risk factor - people older than 60 are 27 times more likely to have chronic kidney disease than younger people, for example - another study confirmed that it may be a significant risk for kidney disease, even after controlling for underlying health conditions that may contribute to both.

Source: American Journal of Kidney Disease, 2008; Journal of Periodontology, 2010

10. Heart disease?



Multiple studies have suggested that there may be a connection between gum disease and heart disease, both of which are associated with inflammation. "Adding oral health self-care... is prudent to improve patients' oral health and possibly reduce [coronary heart disease]," concluded one study. "Periodontal disease caused by pathogen bacteria... could represent one of several possible causal factors of heart disease," concluded another.

The authors of a 2008 review for the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommended that periodontal disease be considered a marker of risk for heart disease, independent of traditional risk factors - even though they noted a lack of evidence demonstrating a causal relationship.

But a scientific statement from the American Heart Association in 2012 urged caution: Periodontal disease and heart disease share many underlying risk factors; there's no reason to think that dental problems directly cause heart disease; and treating periodontitis reduces inflammation but does nothing to alter the course of heart disease, the authors concluded.

Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2008; Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 2010; General Dentistry, 2012; Circulation, 2012

11. Pregnancy complications



Gingivitis affects 60 to 75% of pregnant women, and it's especially important that expectant mothers tend to their teeth. When pregnant women have serious dental problems, their infants are more likely to develop cavities. Poor maternal oral health is also associated with low birth weight and preterm birth, although there's not enough evidence yet to know whether it's an independent risk factor. Researchers suspect that one of two mechanisms may be at play: Either overall inflammation is heightened, or oral bacteria that enter the bloodstream eventually colonize the placenta, causing an inflammatory response.

Source: Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2010; Ginekologia Polska, 2012; Dental Clinics of North America, 2013

12. Ulcers



In people with periodontitis, the plaque that forms in the pockets beneath the gum line can become a reservoir for Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that is asymptomatic in most but is responsible for stomach ulcers when it flares up. Helicobacter pylori can be transmitted orally, and large epidemiological studies have found a positive association between periodontitis and a positive test for the bacterium, which is also a risk factor for stomach cancer. Different researchers have come to somewhat different conclusions, but the bacterial pockets that form during periodontitis unquestionably pose a risk for various kinds of bacterial growth.

Source: Gut, 1995; American Journal of Public Health, 2002; Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2010

13. Cancer

"Recent evidence suggests that the extent and severity of periodontal disease and tooth loss may be associated with an increased risk of malignant disease," concluded one researcher, after reviewing previous studies suggesting an association between poor oral health and cancer. Gum disease and dental problems are also associated with HPV, which causes up to 80 percent of oral cancers. While smoking is a major risk factor for both gum disease and cancer, a study last year of 3,439 people identified poor oral health as an independent risk factor for HPV, even when smoking habits were accounted for. Other preliminary research has suggested that periodontitis may promote the growth of cancerous cells in the mouth.

Source: Dental Update, 2010; South Asian Journal of Cancer, 2012; Cancer Prevention Research, 2013


Information cited from http://www.businessinsider.in/13-Awful-Things-That-Happen-If-You-Dont-Brush-And-Floss-Your-Teeth/articleshow/30409510.cms

ADHA Research Grant and Dimensions

*Dimensions of Dental Hygiene* has funded a research grant through ADHA's foundation. As you can imagine, we are very excited about this!

Proposals must be filed byFebruary 28. Applications are available at:
adha.org/ioh/downloads/pdfs/2014-2015_Dimensions_of_Dental_Hygiene_Application_Information.pdf

Unfortunately, the deadline to apply is rapidly approaching. We wanted to reach out to you because we know that you have an excellent idea of who may have a great idea that needs support in order to get the research ball rolling. The grant is for $7,500. 

Please feel free to share with all interested parties. Thank you!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Project 2013

 Back to Calendar

WHEN:

February 1, 2013 @ 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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WHERE:

Northern Virginia Community College, Medical Education Campus
6699 Springfield Center Dr
Northern Virginia Community College,Springfield,VA 22150
USA

• GIVE KIDS A SMILE (GKAS) PROJECT 2013
• Northern Virginia Community College, Medical Education Campus
• Springfield, VA

Last week we covered Dog's dental health, this week we are giving guidance on your Feline.

Even if the only things your cat hunts these days are chicken-flavored kibbles and toy mousies, he still needs clean, sharp teeth and healthy gums. Damage to the tongue, teeth, palate and gums can lead to many health risks for felines, but these can be prevented with regular home check-ups and good old-fashioned tooth brushings.

1. The Breath Test

Go on, take a sniff. It doesn’t have to be a long one—cat breath may not smell like roses, but it shouldn’t be offensive either. If your kitty’s mouth has an abnormally strong odor, he may have digestive problems or a gum condition such as gingivitis, and should be examined by a vet.

2. Lip Service

With your cat facing you, gently push back his lips and take a look. The gums should be firm and pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling. The teeth should be clean and free of any brownish tartar, and none should be loose or broken.

3. A Closer Look

Watch for any of the following signs that could indicate problems in your cat’s mouth:

• Dark red line along the gums
• Red and swollen gums
• Ulcers on gums or tongue
• Loose teeth
• Pus
• Difficulty chewing food
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive pawing at the mouth area

4. Dangerous Swelling

At any sign of gum inflammation, you should take your cat in for a veterinary exam. If left untreated, gum disease can develop, possibly leading to tooth loss or inability to eat. Inflammation may also point to an internal problem like kidney disease or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

5. The Lowdown on Tooth Decay

Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause a buildup on a cat’s teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. The solution? Regular teeth cleanings, of course.

6. Your Cat’s Tooth-Brushing Kit

All you’ll need to brush your cat’s teeth are cotton swabs and a small toothbrush and tube of toothpaste formulated for felines. You can also use salt and water. Ask your vet to suggest the brushing supplies that he trusts, and be sure never to use toothpaste designed for people—the ingredients can be unhealthy for your cat.

7. Brightening the Pearly Whites

Brush your cat’s teeth at home by following these simple steps:

• First get your cat used to the idea of having her teeth brushed. Start by gently massaging her gums with your fingers or touching a cotton swab to them.
• After a few sessions, put a little bit of cat-formulated toothpaste on her lips to get her used to the taste.
• Next, introduce a toothbrush designed especially for cats—it will be smaller than human toothbrushes and have softer bristles. Toothbrushes that you can wear over your finger are also available and allow you to give a nice massage to your cat’s gums.
• Finally, apply the toothpaste to her teeth for a gentle brushing.
• A veterinary exam beforehand may be helpful to find out if your cat’s gums are inflamed. Many cats have mild gingivitis and brushing too hard can hurt their gums.

8. Chew on This

Chew toys can satisfy your cat’s natural desire to chomp, while making her teeth strong. Gnawing on a chew toy can also help floss your cat’s teeth, massage her gums and scrape away soft tartar.

9. Diet for Healthy Teeth

If your cat has dental troubles, ask your veterinarian to recommend a kibble that keeps feline teeth healthy and helps to remove plaque buildup.

10. Know Your Mouth Disorders

If your cat suffers from any of the symptoms mentioned below, please see the vet right away:

• Gingivitis: This inflammation of the gums is mainly seen in older cats. It may start as a dark red line bordering on the teeth. If left untreated, gums may become sore and ulceration may occur. May be a sign of FIV or other infection.
• Periodontitis: If gingivitis invades the tooth socket, the tooth may become loose and an abscess may form.
• Stomatitis: This inflammation of the mouth lining may result from a foreign body in the mouth, a viral disease or dental problems. The cat will have difficulty eating and the inside of the mouth will appear red.
• Rodent Ulcer: A slowly enlarging sore or swelling on the upper lip.
• Salivary Cyst: If salivary glands or ducts that carry saliva to the mouth become blocked, a cyst may form under the tongue.
• Mouth Ulcers: Ulcers on a cat’s tongue and gums are sometimes caused by feline respiratory or kidney disease.

information cited from http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ten-steps-dental-health

The Probe Newsletter Spring 2014

2014 Calendar

1/24   Rally Day in Richmond 2/7     Give Kids a Smile 2/12   2 CE- Fairfax Govt Ctr 3/11   2 CE- Fairfax Govt Ctr 3/14-15  Mission of Mercy 3/21-23  VDHA Scientific Session 4/25   4 CE with Ann Guignon 5/10   Installation 6/19-24  ADHA CLL Las Vegas

  Spring 2014

Please visit NVDHA website for detailed information and registration: www.nvrdh.com and check us out on Facebook under NVRDH

Please go to nvrdhinfo@gmail.com to update your current contact info.  Remember to let the Board of Dentistry know too.

 

NVDHA Continuing Education Course Offerings

February – 2 CEUs

Topic: "Regenerative Therapy in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry." Overview of the use of contemporary regenerative techniques in the treatment of periodontal osseous and soft tissue defects. 

Speaker: Dr. E. Eugene Oh, DDS

Date:   Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Time:  Registration 6:30,

Course 7:00 – 9:00

Cost:   ADHA Members: Free! 

Current ADHA card must be shown at check-in to receive members’ discounted registration. ADHA cards can be printed at www.ADHA.org

           

ADHA Member Walk-ins: Free!

Current ADHA card must be shown at check-in to receive members’ discounted registration. ADHA cards can be printed at www.ADHA.org

           

Potential Members: $40 prior to date of course.

Potential Member Walk-ins: $50

 Students: FREE: Pre-registration required!

***Members: to register for this course please complete the Registration Form below or send an e-mail to Denise Elliott at DEETRDH@gmail.com  PayPal does not recognize $0.00 Registration Fees. ***

Location: Fairfax Government Center, 1200 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

Course Description:

Review of the use of contemporary regenerative techniques in the treatment of periodontal osseous and soft tissue defects. 

About the Speaker:

E. Eugene Oh, DDS, BS from University of Connecticut; DDS from New York University; Specialty Residency Training in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry from Stony Brook University; Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology; Published author; Periodontics and Implantology Practice in Vienna, VA

NVDHA Continuing Education Course Offerings

March – 2 CEUs

Topic: TBA

Speaker: TBA

Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Time:  Registration 6:30,

Course 7:00 – 9:00

Cost:   ADHA Members: $20. 

Current ADHA card must be shown at check-in to receive members’ discounted registration. ADHA cards can be printed at www.ADHA.org

ADHA Member Walk-ins: $30.

Current ADHA card must be shown at check-in to receive members’ discounted registration. ADHA cards can be printed at www.ADHA.org

Potential Members: $40 prior to date of course.

Potential Member Walk-ins: $50

 Students: FREE: Pre-registration required!

If having trouble registering with PayPal, please register via email to Denise at DEETRDH@gmail.com

Location: Fairfax Government Center, 1200 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

Course Description:

About the Speaker:

NVDHA Continuing Education Course Offerings

April - 4 CEUs

***With Brief Remarks by VDHA President Moe Thompson***

Topic: “Say NO to daily aches and pains! Creating healthy workspace habits"

  "Soft Drink Junkies: Teeth, bones, and body fat."

Speaker: Anne Nugent Guignon, RDH, MDH

Date: Friday, April 25, 2014

Time: Registration 8:00 – 9:00, Presentation 9:00am – 1:30pm

            *Continental Breakfast and Snacks will be provided.

Cost:  Early Bird Registration Deadline:  March 25, 2014

Early Bird Pricing – Before 03/25/14:

·         $65 ADHA Members and dental assistants

·         $100 Non-members and Dentists

Registration after 03/25/14 and walk-ins will be:

·         $100 ADHA Members and dental assistants

·         $145 Non-members and Dentists      

If having trouble registering with PayPal, please register via email to Denise at DEETRDH@gmail.com

Location: Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax, 3950 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22033

Course Description:

“Say NO to daily aches and pains! Creating healthy workspace habits.” From the treatment room to the business office dental professionals spend hours sitting in compromised, static positions. No one in the dental office is immune to developing work place related stress and injuries.  Learn effective strategies you can implement on Monday that reduce dangerous postures and enhance physical health. 

Course objectives:

·         Appreciate the unique postural challenges in the dental office;

·         Recognize the role of fatigue in developing a workplace-related injury;

·         Discover the benefits of ergonomic seating, magnification and auxiliary illumination;

·         Learn about instrument and hand piece design and proper glove fit.

4 CEU Anne Guignon Course Description Continued:

 “Soft drink junkies: Teeth, bones, and body fat.”  Soft drinks are a regular staple in many diets. Popular drinks like soda pop, refrigerated teas energy and sports drinks are fast tracking Americans into diseases that will haunt them for a lifetime.  Learn the how and why these beverages are contributing directly to the epidemics of diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and dental caries.  Discover which beverages are safe, which ones to avoid and how to combat their erosive potential.

Course objectives:

·         Recognize how soft drink consumption has changed through the years

·         Understand beverage components

·         Test pH values in a variety of non-alcoholic beverages

·         Distinguish between pH and titratable acidity

·          Learn how beverages are marketed to children and adolescents

·         Understand remineralization and salivary stimulation

·         Discover the role of soft drinks in modern degenerative diseases

About the Speaker: Anne Nugent Guignon, RDH, MPH is internationally recognized for her numerous contributions to dental hygiene and dentistry over the last four decades. She is a practicing clinician, columnist, feature writer and Senior Consulting Editor for RDH Magazine and has authored textbook chapters on ergonomics and power driven scaling. Anne has been involved in the development and testing for a wide range of clinical products and equipment. She holds an adjunct faculty position at the University of Texas Dental School and was honored as the 2004 Philips RDH Mentor of the Year, received the 2009 ADHA Colgate Irene Newman Award, recognized in 2012 as one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry by Dental Products Report and nominated for the 2013 CNN Home Town Heroes Award.

NVDHA CONTINUING EDUCATION REGISTRATION FORM

Please check the box for desired course(s): __ Regenerative Therapy in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry (February 12, 2014) __ Topic TBA (March 11, 2014) __ Say NO to Daily Aches and Pains/Soft Drink Junkies (April 25, 2014)
ADHA          Potential       Member         Member         Dentist        Assistant         Admin         Student                                                                                                              
Name:
ADHA Number:
License Number:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Amount Paid:

Visit www.NVRDH.com

To register through PayPal

OR

Complete this registration form for each participant.

Make checks payable to NVDHA.

Include your phone number on the check.

Mail this form along with payment to

Denise Elliott

12116 Formby Street

Bristow, VA  20136

deetrdh@gmail.com

Payments are non-refundable.

 

NVDHA President's Message by Trish MacDougall

"One person can make a difference, every person should try."  John F. Kennedy

This quote applies to all aspects of our lives.  Please consider volunteering in some capacity this year.

 

2014 VDHA Spring Scientific Session, March 20-23
Save the Date
Start planning now to satisfy your continuing education requirements of 15 hours for the 2013-2014 renewal that ends on March 31, 2014? Even if you are ready to begin the next renewal period you can accomplish one or both at this meeting.  You can complete the current renewal and/or carry over up to 15 hours to the renewal period that begins April 1, 2014.

Please see 18VAC60-20-50. Requirements for continuing education.

For details, please visit www.vdha.net

Spring Scientific Session
March 20-23, 2014
Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa
Continuing Education Courses
VDHA Foundation Annual Fundraising Reception

Trustee Report by Julie Simms

·        Edith Tynan retired after 30 years of mentoring and educating students at Northern Virginia Community College Dental Hygiene Program. Enjoy your retirement!

·        Congratulations to Heather Herrera for being chosen to attend ADHA’s Unleashing Your Potential this year!

·        Congratulations to Trish MacDougall for receiving the VDHA Outstanding Member Award

·        Melanie Swain and Tammy Swecker were appointed to the Board of Dentistry!

·        New liaison for IOH is Pam Kitner.  IOH Raffle tickets are available, fundraising campaign ends May 30, 2014

·        Vhy-PAC Directors and Members: M. McCann, H. Herrera, J. Flores, K. Davis, J. Zimmerman; need one more member.

Legislative Committee Chair Report by Cathy Berard

Rally Day is quickly coming up on Friday, January 24 in Richmond.  We have 39 legislators that we need to visit and distribute dental health goody bags.  Dawn Southerly wrote a grant to help fund the students to attend, the VDHA Foundation will help cover their parking and gas to Richmond.  So far, I have Trish MacDougall, Julie Simms, and me going but we need additional members to help guide the students so that they will have a valuable learning experience as they see our legislative process in action.  Remember, we have 39 legislators that we must visit so we need all the help we can get!

Please consider coming with us, you will be surprised how much fun and educational it is, you will even receive 1 (one) FREE CEU.  The beautiful capitol building in Richmond was designed by Thomas Jefferson and recently renovated.  The capitol tours are free and there is ample time to attend one while still getting our legislator visits and views from the gallery completed.

I will attend the VDHA Public Health, Education and Professional Affairs Council meeting that same weekend, so please let  me know if you have any issues that you would like addressed.  You can reach me as follows-Email: cberard1@msn.com; (703) 759-6983 home; (703) 901-6983 cell

NVDHA Membership Activities by Cathy Berard

NVDHA is off to a great year with our annual OSHA CE course, as well as great speakers on xylitol, caries risk assessment and Trish Osuna who provided 6 CE’s on Ergonomics and Oral Cancer.  We have additional CE courses planned for the next few months so please check out our NVRDH.com website to see dates, times and locations.

Our Executive Board meets every other month at the Sunrise Assisted Living Center near Fair Oaks Hospital.  You are welcome to attend, our next meeting is January 8.

Rally Day is quickly coming up Friday, January 24 in Richmond, we will visit 39 legislators and distribute dental health goody bags.  NVCC Acting Assistant Dean, Clinical Coordinator, Dental Hygiene Program Dawn Southerly wrote a grant to help fund the NVCC and Germanna DH students to attend, the VDHA Foundation will help cover their parking and gas to Richmond.  Trish MacDougall, Julie Simms, and I are going but we need additional members to help guide the students so that they will have a valuable learning experience as they see our legislative process in action.  Remember, we have 39 legislators that we must visit so we need all the help we can get!

Please consider coming with us, you will be surprised how much fun and educational it is.  The beautiful capitol building in Richmond was designed by Thomas Jefferson and recently renovated.  The capitol tours are free and there is ample time to attend one while still getting our legislator visits and views from the gallery completed.

We usually try to carpool so please let me know if you can make it!

I will attend the VDHA Public Health, Education and Professional Affairs Council meeting that same weekend, so please let  me know if you have any issues that you would like addressed at the state level.

NVDHA Community Outreach by Catherine Q. Johnson

The Northern Virginia Dental Hygiene Association Is Looking for Volunteers.

How does our community benefit when you volunteer?

·        The Northern Virginia Dental Clinic serves low-income, uninsured and underserved adult residents of the metropolitan area.

·        In Fairfax County alone, there are an estimated 170,000 individuals eligible for service by the clinic.

·        Educating our adult clients on the importance of good oral health will help their families have a better understanding, hence, benefiting the whole family’s health and dental care.

How do you benefit when you volunteer?

·        By contributing 20 hours per calendar year, (July1- June 30), each volunteer will receive a tax credit towards their own state taxes.

·        Obtain personal satisfaction and growth in being part of a worthy cause.

·        The neighborhood Association Program is the state’s credit program. The state is hoping that this will be an incentive to recruit dental professionals to volunteer.

Please spread the word and thank you for your support!  Feel free to contact me with any question that you may have at: toothycathy@aol.com

Northern Virginia Dental Clinic- has 2 separate locations

Hours: Monday thru Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

5827 Columbia Pike

Suite 405

Falls Church, Virginia  22041

703-820-7170

Contact Person: Dee Diaz           

2 Pidgeon Hill Drive

Suite 230

Sterling, Virginia 20165

571-323-9095

Contact Person: Carmen Reagan

Mission of Mercy (MOM) Project 2014

Northern Virginia Community College, Springfield Medical Education Campus

March 14 and 15, 2014 Hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Name: _ _________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________________

E-mail: __________________________________________________

License number: __________________________________________

Please specify the day, shift, and time you can volunteer:

Friday, March 14 ____                                        Saturday, March 15 ____

All day ____ ­           7:00 AM till Noon ____               Noon to 5:00 PM ____

The RDH volunteers and students will see low income adult patients. The dental hygiene portion will be busy, but it is a wonderful experience that allows us to work as team and make a difference in our community. Hygienists are used in triage, x-ray and sterilization too!

To ensure smooth rotations we ask that if at all possible, you commit to a full shift since there are two shifts per day. Everything will be done to make your volunteer time a pleasant experience with breakfast, snacks and lunch provided by generous sponsors.

Fax or mail this form back to Northern Virginia Dental Society, 4330 Evergreen Lane, Suite N. Alexandria, Virginia 22033, 703-642-5298, Fax 703-750-2261

Address, e-mail and phone numbers are important.  Information packages will be mailed from the No VA Dental Society at a later date.

Any questions or concerns please call: Catherine Q. Johnson, RDH at phone number (703) 628-7160 or toothycathy@aol.com   Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your shift and REMEMBER to bring your eye protection!

NVDHA 2014-15 Sample Ballot

Office                                    Candidate                            Write-In

__X_  President                            Dawn Southerly                                                Automatic Position         

____  President-elect                 Dana Hampel                                     _______________________

__X_  IPP                                         Trish MacDougall                              Automatic Position

____  Vice President                   Rhea Rossi                                          _______________________

____  Treasurer                            Jen Zimmerman                                               _______________________

____  Secretary                             __________________                                _______________________

__X_  Trustee                                                Julie Simms                                         Automatic Position (2 yr. term)

____  Member-at-Large            Cathy Berard                                      _______________________

NVDHA Delegates to 2014 VDHA HOD (vote for up to 6)

__X_  Trish MacDougall                                                              Head Delegate (automatic)

__X_  Dawn Southerly                                                                                Delegate (automatic)

__X_ Dana Hampel                                                                      Delegate (automatic)

                Candidate                                                    Write-In:

----         Catherine Berard                                                             _______________________

----         Mary Boyle                                                                         _______________________

-----        Catherine Johnson                                                          _______________________

----         Nancy Martin                                                                    _______________________

---           Sheila Richards                                                                  _______________________

---           Jen Zimmerman                                                                               _______________________

Please join us at our CE meeting on March 11, 2014 at the Government Center for our annual elections. All ADHA members are encouraged to participate. Please contact Jen Zimmerman at zimlove@earthlink.net to have a ballot sent to you or to add your name to the ballot for any position.  Please consider volunteering for your association