This Newsletter is an independent publication, and is not a product of the Central Oregon Dental Society, Oregon Dental Association or the American Dental Association. This Newsletter relies on the dental community, its readers and Editor for its content and aims to relay announcements, information and dialogue relevant to the Central Oregon Dental Community.
- This issue of the Central Oregon Dental News is brought to you through the generous support of:
- Assured Dental Lab
- BnK Construction
- O’Brien Dental Lab
- Unbreakable Bonds Dental Lab
CONTENTS OF NEWSLETTER:
- Upcoming Central Oregon Meetings & Events
- Central Oregon Dental News
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Seeking Employment
- Classified Ads
- Regional CE Calendar
- More Info.
- Editorials / Commentary
- Dear Dr. Rupert
UPCOMING MEETINGS, EVENTS or C.E.
May 14, 2026 (Thurs.) CE Course: Strategic Case Selection and Decision Algorithms for Anterior and Posterior Implant Rehabiliation
Speaker: Dr. Kimberly Schlam
5:30 pm – Registration
6:00 pm – Program
UPP Liquids Barrel Room (550 SW Industrial Drive #185, Bend, OR)
2 CE Hours
Cost: Complimentary
RSVP / Registration QR Code and info in flyer below
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May 21, 2026 (Thurs.) Central Oregon Dental Society Meeting
6:00 pm – Social Hour
7:00 pm – Dinner and Meeting / CE
CE Topic: STRATEGIC ONLINE DIGITAL MARKETING
Speaker: Stewart Bartlett, MBA, Sr. Marketing Consultant, WEO Media
Location: Currents Restaurant at the Riverhouse
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June 4, 2026 CE Course: The Implant is Restored, Now What?
Speaker: Tracy Butler, CRDH, MFT
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Registration
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Program
Location: 10 Barrel East (62950 NE 18th Street, Bend, OR 97701)
Food & Drinks Provided + 2 CE Credits
RSVP / Registration QR Code and info in flyer below
Cost: Complimentary
Course Description –
Dental implants are now the standard of care for patients with missing teeth. As the number of cases increases, it is essential to communicate ideal dental care following implant placement. The Dental hygienist is often recognized by the patients as a trusted mentor and go-to once a patient faces treatment options. This course emphasizes the hygienist’s role in pre-, intra-, and post-treatment to minimize infection and potential complications. Evidence based decision making including safety and efficacy of instruments used will be discussed. This presentation will review current literature on instrumentation as well as biocompatibility of materials on titanium and zirconia surfaces.
Objectives –
- Identify basics of implant types and components.
- understand biocompatibility of materials related to implant maintenance.
- understand the current literature on proper instrumentation and maintenance.
- develop a decision tree to evaluate health and disease around dental implants.
- identify potential complications and risks in pre- and post- operative care.
Link to register for course & CE credits – https://skill.straumann.com/us/en-US/Event/Course/29769
June 23, 2026 CE Course: Desiccation Therapy for the Modern Dental Hygienist
Stairway to Perio Study Club
Desiccation Therapy for the Modern Dental Hygienist
Reimagine how you manage biofilm.
Step beyond traditional scaling and explore the science behind biofilm dehydration therapy. In this engaging course, you will learn how desiccation therapy works, when to use it, and how to incorporate it into your hygiene appointments. Complex concepts will be broken down into clear, clinical terms, with practical guidance on improving patient outcomes, reducing inflammation, and streamlining periodontal protocols.
Whether your goal is to elevate your perio protocol, introduce advanced adjunctive therapies, or build confidence with new technology, this course is designed to support the modern dental hygienist in everyday clinical practice.
Course Objectives
- Understand desiccation therapy
- Identify appropriate clinical indications
- Integrate desiccation therapy into periodontal protocols
Event Details
Dr. Kimberly Schlam has graciously offered to host this meeting at her beautiful office in Northwest Crossing. We look forward to seeing you there.Date: June 23, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Bend Prosthodontics
Speaker: Kindra Hogan, RDH
CEU: 2 CEUs
Cost: $15 (Early Bird: $10 register by May 23)
To register: RSVP to stairwaytoperio@gmail.com with the subject line June 23 CE.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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July 23, 2026 CE Course: Advanced Hand Instrumentation Workshop
Advanced Hand Instrumentation Workshop
Hands-on training. Real clinical skill building.
Join us for an interactive workshop focused on advanced periodontal hand scaling techniques. This course is designed to elevate your instrumentation skills with practical guidance, live coaching, and hands-on practice.
Participants will receive a set of 7 Hu-Friedy scalers and files to keep (a $350 value), making this an excellent opportunity to refine your technique with high-quality instruments you can use in your daily practice.
What You’ll Learn
- Advanced periodontal hand scaling techniques
- Improved adaptation, angulation, and stroke efficiency
- Strategies for accessing challenging root anatomy
- Clinical tips to enhance effectiveness and reduce clinician fatigue
Event Details
Date: July 23, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Breathe Deep Dental
61583 SE 27th St, Suite 170
Bend, OR 97702
CE Credit: 2 CEUs
Registration:
- Early Bird: $225 (register by May 23)
- Regular: $250
- Space is limited. Must register by June 23rd to ensure supplies are ordered.
To RSVP:
Email stairwaytoperio@gmail.com with “July 23 CE” in the subject line to reserve your spot.
Instructors
- Kindra Hogan, RDH
- Janell Hall, BS, RDH
- Cassandra Beck, BS, RDH
With a combined 70+ years of clinical experience in both general and periodontal practice settings, your instructors are excited to help you refine your hand skills and build confidence in advanced instrumentation.
July 31 – August 1, 2026 Equity Dental Conference and Continuing Education
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September 9, 2026 CE Course: Cultural Competency CE Night at Worthy Brewing!
You’re Invited: Cultural Competency CE Night at Worthy Brewing!
Let’s make a mandatory CE more fun! Join us for an evening of learning, connection, and conversation — over a beer.
Date: September 9, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
Location: Worthy Brewing, Bend, OR
Ticket Includes: One drink token
CE Credit: 2 hour – Cultural Competency (meets Oregon licensure requirement)
Featured Speaker: Lindsay Luttrell
Lindsay is a passionate educator turned compliance expert who makes complex topics accessible and engaging. After 20 years in the classroom, she found her calling in healthcare compliance — and brings a people-first, relatable approach to a topic most of us dread. As part of Healthcare Compliance Associates, she delivers content that’s impactful, relevant, and actually fun to learn.
Course Objectives:
- Define key cultural competency concepts relevant to dental care
- Recognize how cultural beliefs impact oral health behaviors and treatment decisions
- Identify and reflect on personal biases that may affect patient interactions
- Communicate more effectively across cultural and language barriers
- Apply culturally responsive strategies during exams, treatment planning, and patient education
- Use interpreters and translated materials appropriately
- Foster an inclusive and respectful practice environment
- Commit to ongoing growth in cultural competency to better serve your community
Ticket Info:
$50 – Includes 1 drink – Limited seats available!
RSVP to Register: Email stairwaytoperio@gmail.com with your name and “Sept 9 CE” in the subject line.
September 24, 2026 (Thurs.) Central Oregon Dental Society Meeting
6:00 pm – Social Hour
7:00 pm – Dinner and Meeting / CE
CE: TBD
Speaker: TBD
Location: Currents Restaurant at the Riverhouse
December 3, 2026 (Thurs.) Central Oregon Dental Society Meeting
6:00 pm – Social Hour
7:00 pm – Dinner and Meeting / CE
CE: TBD
Speaker: TBD
Location: Currents Restaurant at the Riverhouse
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CENTRAL OREGON DENTAL NEWS
COCC Dental Assisting Clinic Dates and Volunteer Opportunities
Central Oregon Community College’s Dental Assisting Program is looking for licensed dentists to volunteer for our dental clinic. Your participation helps our students gain hands-on experience while providing essential dental care to our local community.
Volunteer dentists receive 6 Continuing Education (CE) credits for their time.
If you’re interested in supporting the next generation of dental assistants, please contact Jenna Johnson at jjohnson47@cocc.edu or 541.383.7574.
Thank you for your commitment to education and community health!”
Let me know if you need any other information!
Thanks,
Jenna
Jenna Johnson, B.S., CDA, EFDA, EFODA
Central Oregon Community College
Dental Assisting Professor
jjohnson47@cocc.edu
News From the ODA, ADA & OBD
- ODA Secures Major Legislative Win: HB 4040 Passes: After years of persistent advocacy by ODA members alongside the Association’s Government Relations team, the Oregon Legislature has passed HB 4040, advancing all three of ODA’s proposed dental insurance reforms. The bill now heads to the Governor for signature. This achievement is a direct result of member engagement. The three legislative concepts originated from ODA dentists and were brought forward to the Regulatory Advisory Council by Dr. Kim Wright, Dr. Scott Hansen, and Dr. Denise Gates demonstrating how member voices shape ODA’s advocacy priorities.
- Member advocacy was also front and center at ODA Lobby Day, where dentists and dental students met directly with legislators to share how these reforms would impact practices and patients across Oregon. Special thanks to Dr. Amberena Fairlee, Dr. Michael Naughton, Dr. Kent Burnett, Dr. Elizabeth Tomczyk, Dr. Ron Sakaguchi, Dr. Jeff Kobernik, Dr. Olesya Salathe, and Dr. Stacy Geisler for lending their voices at the Capitol, along with dental students Maryam Shuaib, Finn Peck, Gabrielle Hanna Choquette, and Diyar Dizray.
- Behind the scenes, the ODA Government Relations team—Brett Hamilton, George Okulitch, Sabrina Riggs, and Jennifer Sitton—worked tirelessly to move this legislation forward.
- Key provisions of HB 4040 include:
- Assignment of Benefits: Insurers must honor a patient’s request to pay their dentist directly.
- Prompt Pay: Insurers must pay or deny clean claims within 45 days.
- Retroactive Denial Reform: Limits insurers to 18 months to retroactively audit or deny claims.
- This legislation represents a meaningful step toward fairer insurance practices and improved access to care for Oregon patients. Most importantly, it is proof that when ODA members engage, advocacy works.
- Two Dentist Board Member Positions Open: There are two Dentist Board member positions open to join the Oregon Board of Dentistry. More information and the application can be found on the Board/Staff openings page on our website. Please email Haley.Robinson@obd.oregon.gov if you have questions about the Board member application or other details about serving on the Board.
- Let Your Voice Be Heard: The Board of Dentistry is developing its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan and is seeking input from the dental community. Their strategic planning survey is now live, offering you an important opportunity to share what you believe should be prioritized over the next three years—whether it’s workforce shortages and access to care, professional development and burnout, and/or emerging technologies like AI in dental practice.
- Your feedback will help shape the future of dentistry in Oregon. The survey is open through the end of February—we encourage all members to take a moment to participate.
- Association Healthcare Plan Available for 2026: Providing healthcare as a small business can be tough. That’s why the Oregon Dental Association has partnered with Associated Industries Trust (AIT) to provide members with access to affordable, comprehensive coverage, leveraging the buying power of the association! With AIT + Moda, you get better rates and stability, so you can focus on running and growing your business. Open year-round enrollment for all ODA members. Visit the website to get started.
CENTRAL OREGON DENTAL SOCIETY OFFICERS
Please feel free to reach out to any of the Central Oregon Dental Society Officers, if you want to get more involved with organized dentistry, if you have ideas or suggestions for upcoming speakers or courses, or any other dental related issues on your mind.
- CODS President: Dr. Emily Bradshaw
- CODS Vice President: Dr. Jessica Henderson
- CODS Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Jacqueline Gambee
- CODS Continuing Education Chair: Dr. Michael Reynolds
- CODS Ambassador: Dr. Joselene Piedra & Dr. Bradley Field
- ODA Trustee: Dr. Shannon Woods
- ODA President: Dr. Amberena Fairlee
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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
- Central Oregon Community College Dental Assisting Program
- Volunteers in Medicine
- Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van
- Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program
- Healthy Beginnings
- Smile Central Oregon
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT
Ashland Hygienist Moving to Bend in June 26
With heavy heart! I have to let you know first that our standout awesome Hygienist is moving to Bend for her partner’s residency. She worked with us from March of last year till November when she went back to playing college sports for OIT for the winter and spring. She plays basketball and softball for OIT and will be available in June of 2026. Without further ado, I introduce:
Olivia “Liv” Sprague, RDH, EPDH
503-919-0655
Please reach out and contact her if you will be needing the services of a Hygienist starting in June 2026.
James Burneson, DDS, FICOI
Today’s Dentistry
1530 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541-482-7771 – office
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CLASSIFIED ADS
FOR SALE- Two Schick Intraoral Sensor Starter Kits (size 1 and size 2):
Brand new and unopened (purchased in 2024) Dentsply Sirona Schick 33 Intraoral Sensors with updated 3.0 USB interface. Schick has had a recent price increase for these same sensors, but selling for the original purchase price:
Schick 33 Size 2 Sensor Starter Kit 3.0 USB with 6ft cable : $6919
Schick Size 1 Sensor Starter Kit 3.0 USB with 6ft cable: $6679
If you are interested, please contact Brad Field at dr.field@littlebendsmiles.com.
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FOR SALE DEXIS CBCT OP 3D 9×14.
Purchased at the end of 2020, this cbct/pano works great, I’m just looking to upgrade for a larger field of view. Great for a general practice for implants, endo, pano, bitewings pano etc. Henry Schein is currently selling a smaller field of view (9×11) refurbished model model for $47K, asking $28K for the larger field of view. You must set up the move. Feel free to come take a look at it, you can contact me at drmiller@stillwaterdentalbend.com.
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Dental Equipment for Sale
I have some dental equipment that I would like to sell:
- Planmeca ProMax digital pano with ceph arm – upgradable to 3D
- Ramvac DentalEZ air compressor
- Ramvac Bulldog QT vacuum pump
- Ramvac OWL controller
- The steel rack to stack the compressor and vacuum pump in the mechanical room
- Porter nitrous equipment – all the equipment from the nitrous closet for the central nitrous setup, and the controls from the hallway, valves for the chairs, etc.
All of this equipment was purchased new by me in 2010, and it all still works fine – it was just too small for my new office, and I went with a new CBCT for the new office rather than upgrading the ProMax. Please contact Eric Cadwell at eric@purecaredental.com and make me an offer on anything you are interested in.
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REGIONAL CE CALENDAR
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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 second to 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 second to 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 or entertainment. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
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COMMENTARY
DISCLAIMER / WARNING: The opinions or comments 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 or commentaries are OPINIONS ONLY and are simply meant to encourage discussion or dialogue. Readers are welcome and encouraged to contribute editorials or comments for possible 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.
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COMMENTARY has its own page.
Commentary content can be found at:
https://codentalnews.com/commentary/
or by clicking the COMMENTARY tab on the Home Page Menu bar
Dear Dr. Rupert
Dear Dr. Rupert’s monthly practice management advice column has its own page .
Dear Dr. Rupert can be found at:
https://codentalnews.com/dear-dr-rupert/
or by clicking the DEAR DR. RUPERT tab on the Home Page Menu bar
Central Oregon Dental News 