March 1, 2022 C.O.D.N.

• CONTENTS OF NEWSLETTER:
  • Upcoming Central Oregon Meetings & Events
  • Central Oregon Dental News
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Classified Ads
  • Regional CE Calendar
  • More Info.
  • Editorials
  • Dear Dr. Rupert

UPCOMING  CENTRAL  OREGON  MEETINGS  &   EVENTS

(Please email or send any dental related events or courses that you would like posted on this calendar.)

March 6 – 12, 2022 Dental Assisting Recognition Week

There are many ways to make the employees that bring so much to your practice, and help you care for your patients feel valued and appreciated!

Here is just one. The American Dental Assistants Association has Dental Assistants Recognition Week gifts that will remind your assistants each time they look at them, of how their contributions to your practice are greatly valued. They can be found at the link below.

https://www.jimcolemanstore.com/da/

Happy Dental Assistants Recognition Week!

March 10, 2022 High Desert Hygienist Meet & Greet

Tired of Zoom meetings and ready to meet in person?!  If so, please put March 10th on your calendar!! The High Desert Hygienists will be having a Meet & Greet on Thursday, March 10th from 6:30 – 8:30 at Marcello’s Cucina Italiana, in Sunriver.  Everyone is welcome to attend both non-members and members of ODHA. 

For more information, contact:

• Juanita Simpson, EPDH, BS
• Director, ODHA High Desert Component
• CODHAinfo@gmail.com 

March 29, 2022 Elevate Your Game Study Club – Diagnostic Radiographs for Perio

• Speakers: Kindra Manning, BS, RDH & Cassandra Beck, BS, RDH (Periogienist Consulting LLC)
• 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• Worthy Brewing Company (495 Northeast Bellevue Drive, Bend, OR)
• 1 CEU
• $50
• To register or more information: https://bit.ly/3Hpb828
• About this event: 
  • Join us for the first of a 3 part study club designed to improve a hygienist’s diagnostic and treatment planning skills. This course will focus on mastering that essential first step in patient care, the dental radiograph. Elevate your perio game by getting “good” x-rays every time. Improve patient care and bring success to your practice with our real world tips and takeaways. Join your fellow hygienists for a fresh look at one of our most important daily functions, and leave with a better understanding and renewed enthusiasm.
  • Course objectives:
    • Define what makes a “good” set of x-rays.
    • Identify radiographic periodontal pathology.
    • Perform more accurate periocharting and focused scaling based on quality radiographic data.
    • Apply technique modifications for improved diagnostic x-rays.
    • Use takeaway strategies to improve radiographs and periocharting accuracy.

April 7-9, 2022 2022 Oregon Dental Conference

Registration for the 2022 HYBRID Oregon Dental Conference (ODC) is OPEN! The majority of CE courses and the Solutions Marketplace (exhibit hall) will be offered in-person at the Oregon Convention Center, with a virtual component for those who can’t join in person!

Register by February 25th to receive a discounted rate on tuition!

Full Conference Registration Includes:

• The opportunity to earn up to 45 hours of continuing education with access to all in-person AND All virtual CE courses!
• Entry to the LIVE General Session on Thursday, April 7 at 10:30 am featuring keynote speaker, James Nestor.
• Entry to the Solutions Marketplace where you can take advantage of one-stop shopping for all things dental.
• The opportunity to purchase tickets to the All-In for Fun Game Night on Friday, April 8!

Virtual-Only Conference Registration Includes:

• The opportunity to earn up to 27 CE credits with 10 on-demand courses including courses focused on licensure requirements.
• 24/7 access to the virtual platform from April 7 through May 15 so you can learn when it works bet for you!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

May 19, 2022 (Thurs.) Central Oregon Dental Society Business / Dinner Meeting

• 6:00 p.m.
• Riverhouse Convention Center (Bend, Oregon)
• Speaker: Dr. Shannon Woods will present on the “Top 7 Reasons For Early Orthodontic Intervention”
• An RSVP email typically arrives from Dr. Jessica Henderson a couple of weeks prior to the meeting. If you have not received an RSVP email, please contact Dr. Henderson at drjessicahenderson@gmail.com.

September 15, 2022 (Thurs.) Central Oregon Dental Society Business / Dinner Meeting

• 6:00 p.m.
• Riverhouse Convention Center (Bend, Oregon)
• Speaker: TBD

December 9, 2022 (Fri.) Central Oregon Dental Society Holiday Party

• 6:00 p.m.
• Riverhouse Convention Center (Bend, Oregon)

CENTRAL  OREGON  DENTAL NEWS

Healthy Beginnings Program Update & Request for Volunteers

Partnering with parents for those important first five years.

WHAT IS HEALTHY BEGINNINGS? Healthy Beginnings is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides free wellness and developmental screenings for children, ages 0-5. It was created in 1994 by early childhood experts who saw the need to establish a way for families to identify concerns before their children entered school. Over the past 27 years the organization has served over 11,000 children throughout Central Oregon and is recognized statewide and nationally for the innovative service provided to young children and their parents.

WHO DO WE SERVE? Healthy Beginnings provides its screening, referral and follow-up services to every child between the ages of 0-5 years, residing in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. Our services are always FREE to ALL CHILDREN. There are no income requirements, and no need for insurance or a referral. We are free for everyone – every time.

WHAT SERVICE DO WE PROVIDE? Healthy Beginnings provides the most comprehensive screening assessment program and referral service for the health and development of every child under six years old in Deschutes County. Covering 12 key areas of health and development, the free screenings determine whether a child is developing appropriately for their age, identifying problems that can easily be overlooked at regular check-ups.

WHY ARE THESE SCREENINGS IMPORTANT? The early years are the best opportunity for a child’s brain to develop the connections they need to become healthy, capable, successful adults. In fact, 90% of brain growth happens before kindergarten. A child’s development should be assessed regularly and completely – several times before entering kindergarten.

The Healthy Beginnings screening program helps detect potential issues early, when intervention and treatment are most likely to be successful.  Parents are provided with assessment results, appropriate professional referrals, and follow-up consultation and guidance.

MORE INFORMATION: Call the Healthy Beginnings office at 541.383.6357 or www.myhb.org

2022 SCREENINGS

• Mar.  4            La Pine
• Mar. 12           Prineville
• Mar. 30           Redmond
• Apr. 16            Bend
• Apr. 26            Redmond
• May  5            Madras
• May 14           Prineville
• May 24           Bend

If able to help or volunteer your services, please reach out to Healthy Beginnings at:

Phone:  541-383-6457 Email:  admin@myhb.org Website:  www.myhb.org

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Please go to the ‘VOLUNTEER‘ page on the menu bar for contact and additional information about the following Central Oregon organizations seeking dental volunteers:
  • Central Oregon Community College Friday Clinic
  • Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van
  • Donated Dental Service (DDS) Program
  • Healthy Beginnings  
  • Smile Central Oregon
  • Central Oregon Community College Dental Assisting Program
  • Volunteers in Medicine Clinic

 REGIONAL  CE  CALENDAR

Washington Academy of General Dentistry offering Dental Assistant in 30 days in Person Training! Washington AGD’s Dental Assisting School Information provided by Dr. Phillippe Freeman

Doctors, Do you have a working assistant that needs additional training, returning to the field or just entering the field of dentistry? This program is what you have been looking for!

Washington Academy of General Dentistry Dental Assistant School offers a state-of-the-art dental assisting program that will allow students to complete the program with the skills and education that is required to become a successful and competent dental assistant in just thirty days. Students will have 160 hours of didactic and clinical hours upon completion of the thirty-day program.

Pick from One of the Following Start Dates:

*March 7th, 2022

*April 4th, 2022

*May 2, 2022

*June 1st, 2022

Time & Days: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Tuition: $5000 (4 weeks/30 days)

Didactic & Clinical Hours: 160

The program is appropriately cost effective for students, therefore allowing them to graduate without overwhelming student loan debt and join the workforce earning a livable and increasing wage. 

Students will have access to state-of-the-art dental equipment as well as expert doctors, hygienists and other dental assistants. This program will prepare the students with the training to be able to work alongside dentists and dental specialists.

This includes the knowledge of infection control and instrument processing, professionalism, basic dental procedures, equipment, dental radiology techniques and safety, dental terminology, preparation of dental materials, dental specialties, and chairside assisting.

After completion of the program, the students can apply to the Washington Dental Board to become a registered dental assistant.

Please check with the CE Provider, to make sure the Course has not been cancelled due to COVID-19 measures.

CLASSIFIED ADS

MORE    INFO

Searching for a Dental Hygienist?

You might want to email the High Desert Dental Hygienists’ Association (CODHAinfo@gmail.com) and tell them about your need. They are very helpful and have a great database of Central Oregon Dental Hygienists and will email information about your opening to their members.

Announcements, Articles or Classifieds for the Newsletter

Article submissions for the Central Oregon Dental Community are encouraged and welcomed.  You can email your content to Dr. Mehdi Salari (bendsalari@gmail.com). The deadline to contribute articles or request the posting of information in the Newsletter is 5:00 pm PST on the last day of each month.  The Newsletter is typically sent out on the first or second day of each month. 

Advertising or Content for Future Newsletters

Please contact Dr. Mehdi Salari (bendsalari@gmail.com) if you would like to post a classified or advertisement in future issues of the Central Oregon Dental Newsletter.  The Central Oregon Dental Newsletter is available & sent to all practicing and retired Dentists, Specialists in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sisters, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs & Powell Butte & Mitchell. The deadline to update or post an advertisement in the Newsletter is 5:00 pm PST on the last day of the each month.

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Everything above the Red Line is put together as a service to the Central Oregon Dental Community and is the nonpartisan news and events of this Newsletter.

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The Red Line

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The Red Line

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Everything below the Red Line is either for entertainment purposes or to stimulate conversation or debate. It’s personal, opinion based, has a conservative slant and is not meant to offend or upset … only to stimulate discussion. Reader discretion is advised.

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EDITORIALS

DISCLAIMER / WARNING: The opinions expressed ARE NOT those of the Central Oregon Dental Society, Oregon Dental Association, American Dental Association or any of the Advertisers or Business Partners. Editorials are OPINIONS ONLY and are meant to encourage discussion or dialogue. Readers are welcome and encouraged to contribute editorials or comments for inclusion in future issues.

Please Consider Contributing an Editorial or Column For Future Newsletters

This Newsletter is a forum for the Central Oregon Dental Community to stay in touch and connected and a place to have your voice heard. Your opinion columns, thoughts and feedback are encouraged and welcome.

Support for the People of Ukraine and a Wakeup Call for Americans . Mehdi Salari

Just like you, my heart aches for the people of Ukraine. None of us has ever experienced or known what it would feel like to have a neighboring or foreign power just kick down the door to our land and attempt to take over our government. What’s taking place in our world is crazy! One can’t imagine living in Ukraine and being at the epicenter of it all!

Let’s see where diplomacy, stiff sanctions and freezing of bank accounts gets us. I’m all for a diplomatic solution. While we’re letting diplomacy do its thing, we can’t overlook a few other important things. Diplomacy and sanctions have thus far not kept Russian forces from driving and flying right into Ukraine. Diplomacy so far has not stopped the hundreds of thousands of women and children fleeing the country to avoid being in the middle of a war.

Do we really know why the Russians rolled their tanks and troops into Ukraine and not into any of the other former Soviet Union countries? Putin made no secrets of his displeasure about the possibility of NATO membership and bases in Ukraine. I’m not saying it’s right for Russia to invade Ukraine, but I do understand Russia not wanting NATO bases and missiles on its border. I know America didn’t appreciate Cuba becoming a Russian missile base in the 1960s and we nearly went to the brink of a war to prevent that from happening. Isn’t a big part of diplomacy not pissing off the big, strong guy sitting across the table from you, when he asks you not to put NATO bases next to his country?

Where do we go from here? What’s next? What should America and the rest of the world do? Here’s a list of a few things that come to my mind:

• In times of emergency, it actually helps having weapons in the hands of as many of our citizens as possible, because if or when a foreign power (or our own government) comes after us … we need to be able to defend ourselves. Politicians who want to take our guns away are ignorant of the bigger threats facing our world and do not deserve our vote or support. Every politician who wants to take your guns away has surrounded him or herself with the biggest guns money can buy.
• The slashing and cutting of our military by Obama, Pelosi, Schumer and Biden has not helped us or improved our security. Politicians who repeatedly seek to weaken America, instead of strengthening her, are not good for our future or the security of the world.
• We screwed ourselves (and the rest of the world) with our last election and need to do better moving forward. Why has Biden not flown and spoken face to face with Putin during this world and humanitarian crisis? Probably the same reason that Biden can’t hold a press conference right here in America without first seeing the questions that are going to be asked and having his staff prepare the answers in advance for him. Unfortunately, and sadly for Americans and the rest of the world, Biden lacks the courage, intelligence and understanding of world affairs to have a frank and diplomatic discussion with Putin face to face. Will somebody please wake Biden up and remind him once again that he is supposed to be the leader of the Free World! The French President went and talked face to face with Putin, but Biden was scared to go because it would expose his inability to think, speak, answer a question or solve a problem. If Ukraine is annexed by Russia (like Crimea was in 2014 during Obama’s term), it sort of adds to a continuous pattern of Democratic diplomatic incompetence and weakness in the White House and a further destabilization of the world.

I’m not saying we should continually build a bigger military, elect war-hawks and go to war. I’m not saying that at all. I’m against war, I’m against killing, I’m against invasion … but I am pro making ourselves stronger. I am simply suggesting that having an armed citizenry and a strong military deters others from being aggressive against us and our allies. We can be more effective with our diplomacy, when we convey strength and power. When we elect incompetent, weak, sleepy and impotent leaders … our rivals will take advantage and take the opportunity to strengthen themselves and that’s not good for our long-term safety and security; or that of the free world.

DEAR DR. RUPERT

March 2022

Dear Dr. Rupert,

I lay terrified in the dental chair, waiting for my dentist to do something super painful or awful to me.  I never know when she is going to slip with her drill, sever a nerve, drop something down my mouth, cut my tongue or cheek … or slit my throat!  I wish I could relax and calm myself down, but I can’t seem to ever feel comfortable or relaxed in the dental chair.

I would appreciate any words of advice to help me cope with my dental anxieties.

Signed, Hate Going to the Dentist

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Dear Hate Going to the Dentist,

I’m not a trained Psychologist, but I did go to Dental School and the teeth are only a few inches away from the brain.  I feel comfortable giving you mental health advice because the Associative Property in Mathematics states that if A = B, and B = C; then A must equal C as well. 

First of all, let me commend and applaud you for sharing and expressing your fears, anxiety and apprehensions.  As you are aware, thousands of painful and awful things happen to patients in dental chairs every day.  Hundreds of things are accidentally dropped down the back of the mouth and numerous tongues and cheeks are mutilated every day, so your fears are justified.  

It is perfectly normal for you to lay there in fear and anticipate the absolute worst.  The good news and the trade secret that I’m willing to share with you, is that it’s a lot harder for a dentist to do something terrible, mean and painful to a patient; when that patient is on edge and waiting for us to do that bad thing.  I personally prefer doing the mean things to the patients who are listening to their music, relaxed or taking a nap in my chair.  I love the challenge of making a sedated patient or one on nitrous oxide jump or scream in agony.  As a dentist, I can tell you that when a patient is anticipating pain or discomfort, it takes all the fun out of doing something mean or painful to them.  The real joy of dentistry is making a patient jump a mile, when they aren’t ready or anticipating anything awful and having them eternally scared and terrified of you.  Patients never forget you when they’ve had a traumatic experience and it’s always nice to be remembered by others.

So in summary, my advice to you is to continue being on full alert, nervous, anxious and apprehensive when you go into your dental appointment.  The minute your dentist senses that you are relaxed and comfortable, will be the time that they spring their funny joke on you.  It may not be funny for you, but it’ll be funny for them. 

If you don’t want the dentist to play one of their many funny jokes on you, lay there with your eyes wide open.  Clutch the arm rests on that chair.  Arch your back.  Sweat profusely.  Take short, rapid breaths through your mouth.  Wet your pants.  Don’t ever relax or take a sedative!  I guarantee that if you’re that tense, nervous and apprehensive that you dentist will not do anything bad to you … because it won’t be any fun for them. 

Glad I could help,

Dr. Rupert