March 2023

ADHA Oregon is committed to providing advocacy, professional development and networking opportunities for dental hygienists and the dental hygiene profession.

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President's Message
Component News
Committee News
Membership Spotlight
Oregon Board of Dentistry News
Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Events
Membership Information
Oregon Career Center

President's Message

Dear valued members, Tracy Lynne Brunkhorst

I hope this finds you all snuggled in with a warm beverage in hand. I value our Monthly Incisor, I know it is pretty lengthy, but it is packed with valuable information to keep us all informed. I’d like to personally thank all that take the time to put this together for us.

We are gaining speed into our new year. Our Association is buzzing with activity, and we are starting to bloom. Make sure you check out your local Component Section below to see how you can get involved. We have lots of events coming your way for you to participate in.

We are dental hygienists, full of love and caring (for sure), performing exceptional detailed work (as always), but we are also FUN! As Spring approaches, I decided to take a chance on doing something fun together! Setting a goal seemed appropriate as I needed a little spring in my step, soooo……I want to personally invite you to come alongside me and join me for the Bubble Run on July 29th. Wouldn’t it be fun for all of us (cleanly) hygienists to go run (or walk, or skip, or tango) through some bubbles together?!?! We have a fantastic team so when you go to register, join team ODHA. I’m really looking forward to having some good ‘ol “clean” fun!

Components, not all our gatherings will be for CE (although we do have some super CE this year). Some of our events will be for adventure and memory making, OH! and did I mention come on out for some fun?! Our leadership team is knocking it out of the park with fresh new ideas. We are really looking forward to reconnecting. I consider my local Component my home base. Where it all got started for me! The place where I can sync and share with my colleagues. A safe environment where I learn and laugh. My happy place!

Committees, this is a place where you may take a chance on lending someone a hand. We have many small tasks that can be short term or join for long term. Check in and see how you can help make a difference. Advocacy, Leadership, Membership, and Professional Development are always looking to expand.

I also want to plant a seed to register for our very special National ADHA convention this year! Have you been? Would you like to go again? We have a friendly little competition going on between the states. ADHA23 registration is open, this was the start of the nationwide registration competition! Here is what you need to know:

Each state will compete amongst each other to register the most members for the ADHA23 Annual Conference.
The state with the highest percentage of members registered for ADHA23 by July 6 will win!
The winning state will receive FIVE complimentary registrations to ADHA24 in New Orleans, LA!

Sound like fun?!?! I will be there and would love our Oregon posse to be represented in a big way! Check out the new ADHA website! It’s super cool and improved!

We are all better together and so I hope this leaves you looking forward to setting a few goals. Take those chances, Spring is in the air. We’d love to see you soon!

Love to you all,

Tracy Lynne Brunkhorst, RDH, EPDH
President
Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association

Component News

North West

February was an exciting month for our component!

First, several of our component members, along with PCC Dental Hygiene students, volunteered for the Give Kids A Smile event held at Powell Butte Elementary in Portland. It was heartwarming to see students provide dental education for kids who can’t normally afford to see a dentist. THANK YOU to all the dentists, hygienists, assistants and students who used their talents to make a difference!

Second, we heard from fluoridation gurus, Dr. Kurt Ferre and Dr. Chuck Chaynie. We learned so much! As we know, Portland and surrounding areas, lack fluoridation. Learning the facts about the safety of fluoridation helps students and hygienists address questions and concerns our patients may have. Our public health tanks have been filled this month!

Finally, I put together a fun-filled social calendar of events for Spring and Summer 2023! Our members will have the opportunity to join colleagues for fun events like Painting with a Twist, the Oregon Tulip Festival, Portland’s Bubble Run and Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio at the Portland Art Museum. You can learn more about these events (and more!), as well as register, by clicking on this link: Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association Northwest Component Calendar of Social Events - Spring & Summer 2023. I recommend registering fast because in all cases spaces are limited. Consider inviting a non-member RDH to show our colleagues the camaraderie happening in ODHA!

North West Component Events Calendar

Also, Please Save the Date for an upcoming CE course:

Staging and Grading Periodontitis | Saturday, March 18 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | 2 CE credits | Interactive Zoom Course

Are you a hygienist wanting to increase your confidence with diagnosing periodontal disease? A lot has changed in recent years. The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions resulted in a new classification of periodontitis characterized by a multidimensional staging and grading system. We will watch a video and then jump into breakout rooms to work on cases. I hope you will join us! Read more about this course and Register Here on the ODHA website.

In closing, it is with pleasure I let Kira Melan our Component Chair, introduce herself:

“Hi, hello. My name is Kira Melan and I am a dental hygiene instructor at Portland Community College. I also graduated from there in 2009. I enjoy sharing the knowledge I picked up in clinical practice over the years. I appreciate all opportunities to share the joy of dental hygiene with others and facilitate positive interactions between the public and the dental community. I spend most of my spare time at dog parks with my pooch or sitting and reading a book in my backyard hammock. I’m excited about the opportunity to become more involved with the ODHA and working with you all!”

Wishing you all a lovely month!

DeAnn Dardis Warmly,

DeAnn Dardis RDH, BSDH, EPP
North West Component Director

Southwest

The February Hike was chilly but good conversation and connections were made. My hope is that you got a chance to get out as well, but also understand if the weather was still a little too cold to get out. In search of warmer weather and more chances to connect with local hygienists, there is another Hike n' Lunch planned for March 18 at Spencer's Butte Park in Eugene. No parking fee this time, but parking can be tight so we will plan to start the hike at 10am. Please RSVP to me at [email protected] so that I know to look for you. Remember, if it is too far to drive for this event, then see if you can get a few hygienists together in your area and go for a walk or hike. Don't forget to take pictures and share on ODHA's webpage or instagram #ODHAwalk23

Jamie Christianson Together we Thrive,

Jamie Christianson RDH
South West Component Director

Metro East

Hello Metro East! How are you feeling today? Not sure? Read on...

This month at Metro East has been a bit busy for me! Planning CE’s and collaborations with some wonderful M.E. Members and leaders and getting our new team synced up! All the while, being a mom, working and going to school. This month we had an eye-opening night at our member Lori Killen Aus’s home about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). This presentation got me thinking about mental health, especially this time of the year here in the Pacific NW when we live without a healthy amount of light.

I just want to let all of my fellow RDH’s and readers out there know that if you are feeling down, you are not alone. This time of year is when we need to prioritize our own heart, health and spirit so we can keep a positive state of mind. We have to fill our own cup and take care of our own selves before we can help others.

Have you had any of the following symptoms lately? If so, you may want to talk to your doctor about Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D):

Feeling sad or down
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Low energy
Changes in sleep
Changes in appetite, weight gain
Trouble concentrating
Feelings of guilt
Feelings of hopelessness

This time of year is always hard for me and usually I don’t realize it until I am deep into February or March and ask myself, “Why am I feeling so down? Oh yeah....it’s March and I have been living in the dark for almost half a year!!?”
I find that supplementation with Vitamin D (plus K for better absorption) as well as exercise really helps me. Also, I don’t know about you, but for myself, I feel happier when I connect with people–sometimes very intentionally as I tend to want to hibernate all winter. I don’t force myself, but it’s something I consider to lift my spirits.

There are many helpful articles to help yourself through the winter in regards to S.A.D. There is help and you are not alone. Hang in there everyone! And if you feel like connecting with other RDH’s for some connect-time, please come meet up with us soon at one of our CE’s. Everyone is welcome!

Also, many of us from Oregon are excited about the ADHA Annual Conference in CHICAGO, July 7-9, an which will be an awesome and fun opportunity to get out of town, connect and enrich ourselves professionally. We will organize a meet-up as well and will keep you posted on that!!! Registration is OPEN. Register Here!

Heidi Klobes Take care of yourself,

Heidi Klobes RDH, BSDH

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace medical advice. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for help.

High Desert

"In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move." — Henry Rollins

We’ve almost made it! The first day of Spring is just around the corner. Hunkering through winter, I hope you guys all had time to hunker, reflect and make new goals for the coming warmer seasons.

The High Desert component has been busy doing the same, planning social gatherings and possible CE courses. Stay tuned and check your emails for these events!

Sierra Schipper Chat soon!

Sierra Schipper, BS, RDH

Committee News

Professional Development

Next ZOOM Meetings: March 7 & 21 from 7 to 8 PM

Please contact the committee Chair, Jamie Christianson at [email protected] to sign up for access to the meeting links.

The Professional Development Committee is a great place for hygienists and students to get their feet wet at the state level. A bonus with joining our committee is that you get to meet with some of the State Board members. Mostly importantly, you also get to see what goes into planning our educational and social events at the local and state levels. Our committee thrives on having members from multiple areas of focus within hygienists career and those in various stages of their career, from students to experienced hygienists.

While attending this committee's meetings on a regular basis would be the most beneficial for your experience and the association, attending only a few times is helpful too. Any member is welcome to bring their ideas and solutions to the board that might not of otherwise been thought of in the first place. You can always directly email the Chair of the Committee as well to prompt further discussion.

This year's goal for the PDC is to shake things up with the way CE is presented and the fees associated with them and still help keep the association fiscally responsible and sound. This way, Oregon members will gain even more benefits of their membership dues to ADHA/ODHA.

As Chair of this committee, my hope is that I inspired you to join us in 2023 for our meetings. I look forward to "seeing you" very soon.

-Jamie Christianson, RDH

2023 Oregon Legislative Session

The 2023 Oregon Legislative Assembly will be in session for the purpose of lawmaking January 17, 2023 through June 25, 2023.The Oregon Legislature meets for a maximum of 160 days in odd-numbered years (long session) and for a maximum of 35 days in even-numbered years (short session). The 2023 Oregon Legislative Session will be a long session so it will meet for a maximum of 160 days.

The Oregon Dental Association (ODA) plans to request that the Oregon Legislature allocate $20 million toward projects intended to address the shortage of dental assistants & dental hygienists.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) plans to introduce a bill that would remove the sunset date for the Oregon Dental Workforce Pilots Projects.

The ODHA will monitor & comment on bills related to dentistry throughout the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session. Please contact ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] for questions, more information, or comments about ODHA advocacy issues, and if you would like to become involved in ODHA Advocacy activities!

Please email ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] with any questions or more information.

Membership Spotlight

Do you know an outstanding ODHA member? Perhaps it’s you? We would love to spotlight an ODHA member each month in the newsletter! Email us contact information and we will do the rest. Please email Tracy Brunkhorst at [email protected] and put "Member Spotlight" in the subject line.

Oregon Board of Dentistry News

Dental Therapy Update

Pursuant to the Dental Therapist's Collaborative Agreement, the Dental Therapist may perform following procedures under the GENERAL SUPERVISION of the dentist:

Pulp vitality testing;
Fabrication of athletic mouth guards;
Changing of periodontal dressings;
Simple extractions of erupted primary anterior teeth and coronal remnants of any primary teeth;
Emergency palliative treatment of dental pain;
Preparation and placement of direct restoration in primary and permanent teeth;
Fabrication and placement of single-tooth temporary crowns;
Preparation and placement of preformed crowns on primary teeth;
Indirect pulp capping on permanent teeth;
Indirect pulp capping on primary teeth;
Minor adjustments and repairs of removable prosthetic devices;
Oral examination, evaluation and diagnosis of conditions within the scope of practice of the dental therapist and with the supervising dentist's authorization;
Removal of space maintainers;
Pursuant to the dental therapist's collaborative agreement, the Dental Therapist may perform the following procedures under the INDIRECT SUPERVISION of the dentist:

Fabrication of soft occlusal guards;
Tooth reimplantation and stabilization;
Recementing of permanent crowns;
Pulpotomies on primary teeth;
Simple extractions of: erupted posterior primary teeth; and Permanent teeth that have class 3 mobility;
Direct pulp capping on permanent teeth

Information provided by :

Kimberly A Perlot, EPDH, MS, DT
ODHA Vice President

The Oregon Board of Dentistry will meet on the following Fridays during 2023:

April 28	October 27
June 16	December 15
August 25

Meetings are held at the Board office located at 1500 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 770, Portland, OR 97201. Anyone may participate in the Open Session portions of the Board meetings.

The agenda & public packet for Board meetings are posted approximately one week before each meeting on the Board website at www.oregon.gov/dentistry. Scroll down to About Us and click on Meetings. The public packet is usually more than 500 pages in length. We recommend that you review this document online, and only print pages if you need them.

If you would like to participate in the Open Session of any board meeting, please contact ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] or more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

Central Oregon Thank You

Central Oregon Community College Dental Assisting program and its patients want to extend a huge "Thank You!" to all of you who volunteered your time to provide much needed dental services to low-income patients! For the first time ever, all dates have been covered! And that is due to all of you! The experiences you provided to the dental assisting students was amazing as well. They were so excited to see what hygienists do first hand. So from our patients and students - Thank you! Thank you!

Lynn Murray, M.Ed., CDA, EFDA, RFC, CPFDA, MADAA
Central Oregon Community College Dental Assisting Program Director
Professor of Dental Assisting

Dental Hygienist Study on Restorative Care

Crystal Kanderis Lane, RDH, BS, MS, Assistant Professor and Restorative Clinic Coordinator with Idaho State University is looking for hygienists who provide restorative care. They are conducting interviews as part of a research study to increase our understanding of the lived experiences of dental hygienists who provide restorative patient care. As a dental hygienist who provides restorative patient care, you are in an ideal position to give us valuable firsthand information from your own perspective and share with us your lived experiences.

The interview takes around 1 hour and is very informal. We will conduct the interview over an encrypted and locked Zoom meeting. We are simply trying to capture your thoughts, perspectives, and experiences you’ve had as a dental hygienist who provides restorative patient care. Your responses to the questions will be kept confidential. Each participant will use a pseudonym to ensure that personal identifiers are not revealed during the analysis and write-up of findings.

There is no compensation for participating in this study and it is completely voluntary. The only risk is the time it takes to complete the interview. Please know that your participation will be vital to our research and findings could lead to an increased body of knowledge and a greater public understanding of dental hygienists who provide restorative patient care.

If you have questions or want to participate, send Crystal an email at [email protected] to suggest a day and time that suits you for the Zoom meeting.

Upcoming Events

Oregon Dental Conference | April 13 - 15, 2023
Oregon Convention Center, Portland
Register Here

The opportunity to earn up to 18 hours of continuing education with access to all CE courses. Visit the ODHA table and stop by our partner event on Saturday, April 15 from 11 am - 12:30 pm. Bring a non-member with you to have them find out about ODHA!

Staging and Grading Periodontitis | Saturday, March 18
2 CE credits | Interactive Zoom Course
10:00am - 12:00pm
Register Here

Social Events

Painting with a Twist | March 25, 2023
1406 SW Broadway, Portland 97201
6:30 - 9:00pm
Register Here

North West Component has planned an activity for each month to get to know each other. You are encouraged to invite a non-member RDH friend to register so they can see what shenanigans we are up to in the ODHA! Registration is limited so don't dilly-dally! When you register for an event, be sure to add ODHA to your name so we are grouped together! These are not ODHA specific events, they are open to the public so if you have questions about an event, feel free to check out their website or call them directly. $42

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm | April 8, 2023
33814 S. Meridian Rd., Woodburn 97071
1:00pm
Register Here

The Art of Wine Making | May 27, 2023
Ponzi
1:00 - 2:30 pm
$65 + gratuity
Register Here

Portland Art Museum | June 17, 2023
1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland 97205
Museum Members: Free | Museum Non-Members: $25
SAVE THE DATE - Registration not open yet

Bubble Run | July 29, 2023

Join ODHA President Tracy Brunkhorst and Immediate Past President Laura Vanderwerf at this summer's Bubble Run at the Portland International Raceway, 1940 N. Victory Blvd., Portland 97217! Cost is $14 +fees. Join ODHA's team and enjoy a fun time socializing with hygiene friends.
Join the Team Here!

2023 National Dental Conferences in Portland, Oregon

ADEA AADOCR

In March 2023 two national dental conferences will be held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. This is an incredible opportunity for you to participate in these events “in our own backyard.”

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) will hold their 2023 Annual Session & Exhibition Saturday-Tuesday, March 11-14, 2023. This conference brings dental, allied dental & advanced dental educators & students together for world-class education sessions and a bustling exhibit hall filled with dental education’s leading partners. Click here for more information.

The American Association for Dental, Oral, & Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) will hold their 2023 Annual Meeting & Exhibition Wednesday- Saturday, March 15-18, 2023. This conference will provide scientists and researchers throughout the world with the opportunity to present, discuss and critique their investigations. If you are involved in dental, oral and craniofacial research, you should submit an abstract for consideration for presentation. Click here for more information.

World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day - March 20

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally each year on March 20. WOHD was launched by the FDI World Dental Federation to raise global awareness on the prevention and control of oral diseases. The purpose of WOHD is to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.

The campaign theme for 2021 through 2023 is “Be Proud of your Mouth.” WOHD hopes to motivate people to value and take care of their mouths and understand that by doing so they can also help protect their general health and well-being.

A variety of resources are available to promote World Oral Health Day including fact sheets, message cards, posters, and social media tools. All content is free to use by everyone as long as it's used in its original form (no modifications allowed) and doesn't promote a product or a business (i.e. dental practice).

World Oral Health Day is a great opportunity to generate wide-spread media coverage and to raise people’s understanding of the link between oral health and oral health.

For more information click on World Oral Health Day.

Membership Information

ODHA Membership Includes:

CE Options (from Local Components and ADHA webinars - some at no charge!)
Networking leading to career growth
Outstanding education opportunities at the ODHA Annual Fall Conference
Community volunteering opportunities
Special ADHA Discounts (use link below)
http://www.adha.org/resources-docs/74110_Membership_Affinity_Programs.pdf
Access Magazine
Discounted conferences
And much more!

Oregon Career Center

Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings such as these from Willamette Dental Group:

Dental Hygienist

Willamette Dental Group in Hillsboro

View Job

Willamette Dental Group in Beaverton

View Job


Willamette Dental Group in Eugene
View Job  

Willamette Dental Group in Bend
View Job

Traveling Dental Hygienist

Willamette Dental Group in Salem

View Job

Post a job: https://ordha.mcjobboard.net/jobs/post/add

ADHA Institute for Oral Health

In collaboration with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and through the generous support of our donors, the ADHA Institute for Oral Health provides thousands of dollars each year to advance the profession of dental hygiene through scholarships, research and service!

They work to:

Develop dental hygienists’ access to educational programs through Scholarships
Support advancements in the dental hygiene profession through Research Grants
Empower dental hygienists to improve the public’s health through Community Service Grants

The ADHA Institute for Oral Health is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 36-3468143.

Donate to Institute for Oral Health

Thank you to our Sponsor!

We've been fortunate to partner with Willamette Dental this year. Check out their website and their job openings on the
ODHA Job Board

Partner Organizations

ADHA Oregon | ADHA

February 2023

President's Message

Tracy Lynne Brunkhorst

Dear all,

How do you like your new look? We are excited about the new national branding!

Recently, I traveled to Arizona to deliver my daughter to her university. It was an adventure for both of us, and I found myself overcome with emotions. What inspired me the most as we journeyed together was that I learned of her enthusiasm for change. She was finally at a place where she was ready to embrace the next step in her life. It’s a new chapter for my family and there will be change on many levels. Change can come with opportunities, taking that risk for a “chance” at reward.

Our trip together brought me back to a time when I watched my parents drive away as I stood outside on the sidewalk to my dorm. As I watched them become a distant image I wondered how my life was about to change. With a couple tears running down my cheeks, I turned foot and realized that I had just been given the keys to my future.

Last month I introduced my theme as President, CHANCE. I took a chance that day, as my parents drove away. I took a chance at finding a passion for what I was going to do with my life. I have to confess I didn’t know much about dental hygiene when I was that age and I wasn’t really sure what I was about to get myself into. As I grew into the program, I started to feel the spark and that spark grew into a bonfire in a very short period of time. Dental Hygiene was a perfect fit for me. It’s surreal for me now as I can’t wait to see my daughter find her passion for her career as she has now taken a chance to try her way, walking down a new path.

Does this bring back some memories for you? I would love for any of you to share with me your journey and how you found your passion. Being a member of ADHA has kept me connected and furthering my passion. Being active in ODHA has given me a new chance on leadership, and I’ve learned that your voice matters. I invite all of you to tap into your local components to see how you can become involved. We want to be strong in our membership body and I invite all of you to take a chance and reach out to see how you can further your passion. Be on fire for your organization!

I want to express my gratitude for all of you. Thank you for what you do, every day! We are all connected together as colleagues, and I stand proud to be with all of you in this community!

Many Blessings,

Tracy Lynne Brunkhorst, RDH, EPDH

President

Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association

Brush Floss Smile

February is Children’s Dental Health Month

February 2023 is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) brought to you by the American Dental Association (ADA). This month-long national event brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.

The NCDHM Program Planning Guide provides program coordinators, dental societies, teachers and parents with resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation and more.

To learn more about National Children’s Dental Health Month please visit: ADA.org/NCDHM. You can also order FREE posters, purchase postcards and download materials.

Component News

North West

Hello North West Component,

2023 is off and running with exciting changes for our component!

First, I was elected Director for the NW Component. I am working hard to learn the ropes so I can represent our component well. It’s truly an honor to serve our professional organization and I promise I will do my very best!

Second, my PCC colleague, Kira Milan, accepted the NW Component Chair position. I am pleased Kira will be partnering with me in this effort. Kira is hard-working, task oriented and seems to have endless energy! Plus, she is an absolute delight to work with. I’m looking forward putting our heads together.

This year, keep an eye out for fun activities to connect with members. Last October, our previous Director, Heidi Klobes, organized a mushroom foraging outing. It was an absolute blast! Hiking through nature, hunting and celebrating our discoveries together was just what a bunch of hard-working hygienists needed. Our profession is demanding and it's important to take time to PLAY! Let’s get to know each other outside operatories and conferences.

Also, I’m brainstorming about CE offerings. My goal is to offer quality professional development opportunities in 2023. Our PCC faculty recently had the pleasure of learning the Gow-Gates and Vazirani- Akinosi injections from Tina Clarke RDH, a leading voice in anesthesia dental education. I am hoping to offer a similar in-person local anesthesia CE course this year. More to come soon!

DeAnn Dardis Warmly,

DeAnn Dardis RDH, BSDH, EPP

South West

Greetings Fellow South West Component Hygienists!

I hope you all have had a great start to the new year. I just wanted to take a moment to reach out and connect with fellow members. As you may already know, our component covers the South West corner of Oregon. It's a very large region and I haven't been able to host ODHA events in all the major cities in our area over the past year. So this last year as your Component Director, I have focused my efforts mainly towards our annual conference. I will admit that after a few local attempts in the beginning of last year didn't work out that it was... well...very discouraging. But I am here now to renew my optimism that 2023 will be more successful!

My goal for this year is to connect members and renew their passion for our association to see what we can achieve together, thus moving our component into the future. Also, something to keep in mind for our members, this is my second year of my term as your Component Director. This means that this fall our component will be looking for a new Director. My hope is that there is a member out there who is interested in taking on this role and excited to bring their new ideas to connect our component and ODHA to be the go-to resource for our continuing education and professional community. I admit that I haven't been the greatest at getting everyone together locally, but my hope this year is to see more activity within our component. So, to keep to my renewed promise to members, I would like to invite surrounding members, both professionals and students and potential members on a Hike-n-Lunch Social Gathering at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum on Saturday, February 18th from 11 am to 1 pm. The plan is to meet by the event chalet, near the restrooms, then hike up to the top. At the top we can share lunch together (everyone brings their own lunches from home). This will be a great time to see each other and talk about whatever is on our minds. Perhaps even take a few selfies along the way to share on ODHA Facebook. Yes, it will likely be a little muddy with some light rain this time of year, but as Oregonians we can prepare accordingly. With that said, the event will be canceled if there is a threat of lightning or snow.

Please email me if you are planning on coming so we have an idea how many people will be there.

I wouldn't want to leave anyone behind. With that in mind, I would like to propose an idea for those members who are further South or North of Eugene/Springfield area that like this idea of a social hike but are too far away to attend. Why not advertise a RDH group walk in your area? I love to hear from members who would love to head up a Hike- n-Lunch in your area. The bonus is that you get to choose a place to hike or walk and you get to spend some time with local members. All you would need to do is let me know as soon as possible through email that you want to invite other members to join you on a hike. Then just let me know the location and I can help get the location up on the ODHA website. This would be a free event for all of us! While we all may be in different locations, there is something about us doing a walk/hike within the same time frame that can start to bring in a sense of community.

Stay tuned for more information about local CE classes, RDH receptions, and other fun social events. As always, feel free to email [email protected] for more info or with questions or concerns you may have.

Jamie Christianson

Together we Thrive,

Jamie Christianson RDH

South West Component Director

Metro East

Hello Metro East!

Well, it’s 2023!! I am so grateful to be the new director of your component and look forward to representing you as hard working, practicing hygienists, representing your interests and the field of dental hygiene in Oregon.

This month it’ll be a longer read as we have introductions to do!!

My name is Heidi Klobes. I graduated from Portland Community College in 2002, finished my Bachelors in Dental Hygiene in 2021 and am currently at Oregon State University in a Master’s of Adult and Higher Education. I am an instructor at Portland Community College currently and loving it! I have three sons aged 26 (Evan), 14 (Romeo) and 11 (Enzo). I am married to a supportive and wonderful man named Michael and we live in SW Portland near OHSU. I feel so grateful to be exactly where I want to be in my life!

As I mentioned, I recently went back to school in 2020 to attain my bachelors degree as I wanted more options for my professional career after 20 years in clinical practice. That Spring of 2020 the very reason I finally decided to pay my dues and join ADHA as well as get into leadership was the chart you see below:

Allowable Tasks

Did you look at Oregon? (Upper left around 10 o’clock) Did you see all of the boxes and colors that are filled in!?!? Look at the color key on the right. The reason we as hygienists in Oregon have the privilege to practice on the level and scope we do IS THE ODHA. This is why being a member and advocate for your profession is so important. So if you are a member, thank you! If you are not, please know that your membership doesn’t benefit anyone other than you and your profession as we are all volunteers here representing you!

I don’t know about you but a career in hygiene changed my life as a first generation college student. It’s changed the trajectory of my children’s lives and opportunities as well. I want everyone to have the same opportunity I had.

Our privileges directly correlate with our income in each state. Check out Alabama on the chart (Lower right of the circle around 4 O’clock). Alabama’s average salary is $46, 920/yr per usawage.com which equates to about $22.50/hr!!! In Oregon, according to the same website the average salary is $86, 160 which equates to $41.42/hr (and I would argue that currently that is on the lower end of what we are making in Oregon per hour).

Needless to say, I am making the argument that your association is responsible for your ability to make a pretty fantastic living! The ODHA continues to work hard on your behalf in order to keep our profession growing onward and upward. This is why your membership is so important. This is also why your involvement is so important. Also, because we are healthcare providers, we care about people. As a collective we can volunteer and give back to our community. That is something we can do TOGETHER!!!

We are growing leadership “post-pandemic” as many hygienists who were leading previously have come to the end of their professional careers and are moving into retirement. We feel very excited about what we can do moving forward and most members are looking for ways to connect with each other, opportunities to mentor and volunteer, get continuing education and find ways to give back. We hear you and we are working on many exciting things for this year!

Next, I’d like to introduce your Chair, Beth Kreinheder:

Beth Kreinheder

Hello! My name is Beth Kreinheder and I am a recent graduate from Portland Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program. I am very passionate about improving the health and well being of others with the hopes of dissolving the barriers to accessing dental care. Outside of dental hygiene I love spending time with my dog and family, playing soccer, being in the sun, and going to many, many concerts. I turned 30 this month so I celebrated by going to South Beach, FL and getting all the sunshine with my boyfriend. I am very excited to be the Chair of the Metro East Component and working with you all!

Sincerely,

Beth Kreinheder RDH, BS, EPP

Here is a photo of myself and my two youngest boys!

Heidi Klobes

Warmly,

Heidi Klobes RDH, BSDH

Metro East Component Director

Committee News

Professional Development

Next ZOOM Meetings: February 7 & 21 from 7 to 8 PM

Please contact the committee Chair, Jamie Christianson at [email protected] to sign up for access to the meeting links.

The Professional Development Committee is a great place for hygienists and students to get their feet wet at the state level. A bonus with joining our committee is that you get to meet with some of the state board members. Mostly importantly, you also get to see what goes into planning our educational and social events at the local and state levels. Our committee thrives on having members from multiple areas of focus within hygienists career and those in various stages of their career, from students to experienced hygienists.

As Chair of this committee, my hope is that I inspired you to join us in 2023 for our meetings. I look forward to "seeing you" very soon.

-Jamie Christianson RDH

Educational Article - by Jamie Christianson

The What, The Where, The Why: Bringing up Sleep Disorders with Patients just got easier with a New Dental Sleep Center in Eugene

Health care providers are not only trained to ask good questions, but should be trained to ask the inquisitive ones. You know, the questions that lead to a successful long term outcome and working relationships between the provider and the patient.

As a dental hygienist, patients' expectations of us are that we are there to help them with finding out the status of their oral condition, explaining how we can help or who we can refer them to who can help. We can even help them explore their physical and medical reasons as to why their oral health is in a particular state. But how often do we look at the signs and symptoms that we acquire upon our time with them and connect that data to what may be happening to the rest of their well being? Yes, like helping our patients outside the mouth. Our profession already knows there are several links between the oral cavity and the rest of the body. But our scope of practice remains within the oral cavity.

So, where in the oral cavity can we help a patient to seek intervention to limit or get rid of these more generalized whole body symptoms? Why would we care to do this? Because it shows we care even more and this simple action has the potential to build even more personal rapport. Personalized health care in dental offices is even more important in today's society than it's ever been. This article is a reminder that we shouldn’t be ignoring the signs and symptoms we see through our “loopy” eyes or the ones we pick up on through our conversations with patients. These include things like chronic fatigue, enlarged tonsils, scalloped tongue, dark circles under their eyes, snoring, irritability, drooling, and visible mouth breathing. Now, I don’t have time to cover all those signs or symptoms, but I did want to take time to address at least a couple: chronic fatigue and snoring at home or in the dental chair.

Scenario Time! This has happened to me at least 10 times, that I can remember, in my 16 years of being a dental hygienist. Have you ever had a patient fall asleep in your dental chair? Complete with snoring and all? Then you or another clinician may come back with a comment that it's because the patient is just so relaxed and comfortable under your care that they can fall asleep. Now, hold on. If I were to only judge using this number on how relaxed and comfortable my patients have been under my care, then that comment doesn’t seem as good anymore. So, next time this happens to you, I encourage you, if you don’t already, to dive deeper into questioning as to why a patient of yours can fall asleep so easily in the dental chair.

Additional to the visual cues, you may find more red flags that lead to temporary sleep deprivation or a more serious undiagnosed level of sleep apnea. So, why not have your patient fill out a sleep screening form in the dental office? The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a great one to have in office. It's only 8 questions and easy to score.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) can be a helpful screening tool for determining whether a patient is dangerously sleepy and needs immediate therapy.

So, if you didn’t know what questions to ask before this, now you do. The new year is a great time to review office protocols. How does your office go about screening patients for sleep disorders? If you and your office already do this on a regular basis, then I congratulate you all because you are saving lives! If not so much, then it's a great year to start.

If you begin screening patients for sleep disorders, then you need to know what to do next for the patient. Do you send them to a sleep physician? Yes, that is an option, especially for high scores on the ESS. But what about those mild to moderate scores? Or when your patients have been told that it will be several months before they get in for a sleep test. Patients may also not want to go through the hassle of going to a medical sleep clinic for a milder case either. What about those patients that are aware they have obstructive sleep apnea and have tried the CPAP without much success. Where do those patients go? How about recommending your local Sleep Dentist to get started with Oral Appliance Therapy. That is if your office doesn’t already provide this kind service. Where can your patients get an at-home sleep test? Why is this next step so important for your patients? Because you want to see your patient improve. They may not know that their lack of quality and quantity of sleep is affecting the rest of their life.

Most dental providers are great at getting the conversation started so why not make sure you have the resources to help the patients follow up with their sleep? I am making a recommendation to all my colleagues to meet with your local sleep dentist, sleep physicians, and perhaps tour their sleep centers. Maybe even get an in-home sleep test done on yourself. Especially if you are finding that you are scoring on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

You don’t want to ignore your own health. Perhaps make that a local component activity -- tour your community’s sleep center.

My Interview with a Sleep Dentist

In January, I visited and interviewed Dr. Donald Dexter. He is a general dentist in the Eugene area who has studied and practiced dental sleep medicine extensively since 2012 and is the first Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) in Lane County. ABDSM is the leading testing organization in the United States for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy. As the most qualified and experienced provider in the Lane County community, he is fully committed to treating this serious medical condition that is often undiagnosed or left untreated.

On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, he opened the Eugene Dental Sleep Center (EDSC). This center is the first BIPOC-owned medical and dental practice in Lane County. This specialized center will be exclusively providing treatment of low to moderate sleep apnea through Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). OAT is frontline treatment of mild-moderate OSA and acceptable treatment of severe OSA if the patient has failed or is unable to use CPAP.

In contrast to a CPAP machine, Oral Appliance Therapy involves mouth guard-like devices worn only during sleep to maintain an open, unobstructed airway.

A tour of the center brought me through the reception area, evaluation room, O.A.T. delivery room, his office, sterilization, storage, a community room, and meeting gallery. It's a welcoming and calming practice. His services will include CT scan, visual examination, photos, at-home sleep test interpretation, custom Oral Appliance Therapy (several models to choose from), follow up, and sleep coaching with Dr. Dexter. Communication with referring dental offices is very important to the success of the Center. It's a win for patients and a win for airway conscious dental providers.

With this Center, Dr. Dexter hopes to close the gap in the community in getting patients with undiagnosed obstructive sleep disorders under the proper care. He reports that he is aware of another dental sleep clinic in the area and also knows of a few dental sleep clinics in the Portland area. Being able to open a new dental sleep clinic in the mid-valley is a huge benefit for all. Best of all, he stated that dental hygienists are ambassadors when it comes to screening and recommending patients to dental sleep centers.

As a side note, Dr. Dexter offered to host local ODHA CE or Socials at no charge at EDSC’s meeting gallery. He offered this because he wants to build community and show support for hygienists in the area. He is planning on having various health presentations for “Wellness Wednesdays,” which are mini-seminars that are open to the community.

There is also a RDH Open House Reception at the EDSC on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 5pm to 7 PM. Come for refreshments, mingling, a tour of the center and to meet Dr. Donald Dexter for yourself.

Hope to see some of you at the RDH Open House Reception!

Written and Submitted by: Jamie Christianson, ODHA-SW Director

Advocacy

Taking on the role of Advocacy Director this year is a big challenge for me. I am excited to learn more about advocacy and how we as a profession can take a leading role in all matters associated with dental hygiene, but also provide leadership and perspective for all the dental professions.

We have an amazing committee of OBD representatives as well as representatives to other various committees and organizations. In addition, we would love to have additional members who can fill vacant spots as ODHA representatives, discuss and make recommendations as needed and plan advocacy events.

The advocacy committee will meet quarterly this year.

Please let me know if you are interested in joining the Advocacy Committee.

Karen Hall, BS, EPDH

Advocacy Chair

2023 Oregon Legislative Session

The Oregon Dental Association (ODA) plans to request that the Oregon Legislature allocate $20 million toward projects intended to address the shortage of dental assistants & dental hygienists.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) plans to introduce a bill that would remove the sunset date for the Oregon Dental Workforce Pilots Projects.

Oregon State Legislature FAQ’s

What does the Oregon State Legislature do?
The Oregon State Legislature creates new laws and amends existing laws including the laws that regulate dentistry in Oregon.

How long does the Oregon State Legislature meet?
The Oregon Legislature meets for a maximum of 160 days in odd-numbered years (long session) and for a maximum of 35 days in even-numbered years (short session). The 2023 Oregon Legislative Session will meet from January 17, 2023 through June 25, 2023.

What is the composition of the Oregon State Legislature?
The Oregon State Legislature is comprised of two chambers, the Senate with 30 members elected to serve four-year terms and the House of Representatives with 60 members elected to two-year terms. Each Oregonian is represented by one State Representative and one State Senator. Click here to Find My Legislator.

What is a bill?
A bill is a proposal to create a new law or to amend an existing law. In order to become law, a bill must be passed in both chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives, in identical form.

How are bills numbered?
Each bill is designated by the chamber where it was introduced and a unique number. For example, Senate Bill 111 would have been introduced in the Senate, and House Bill 2222 would have been introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill retains this designation when it is considered in the other chamber.

The ODHA will monitor and comment on bills related to dentistry throughout the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session and keep you informed of their progress.

Please email ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] with any questions or more information.

Board Member Spotlight

Virginia Mattfeld

Virginia Mattfeld, EPDH, BSDH
Virginia received her Associate Degree from Portland Community College in 2005 and a Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene at Eastern Washington University in 2019. She has been an active member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) since 2012.

Virginia has had a small independent practice in a Wellness Center in SE Portland since 2012. She joined the Dental3 team in 2019 and has worked on school-based dental sealant, Head Start dental screens and the fluoride varnish program. She developed and presented oral health education, both on-site and virtual, during Covid for PreK and Head Start programs. She also works for ODS Community Dental and provides community outreach and foster child dental screening. She says that the best part of her job working in public health is getting to help diverse populations improve their oral health and educate them on caries and disease prevention. Virginia is excited about her new role as secretary for the Metro East Component and taking on more ODHA leadership roles in the future.

Virginia has traveled several times to Central America working at schools in the rural villages of Guatemala and Honduras.

Virginia and her husband, Eric, have two children. When she's not working, Virginia enjoys spending time with her family, creating art with mixed media, and loves Disney parks and cruises.

Membership Spotlight

Oregon Board of Dentistry News

Dental Therapy Update

Oregon Board of Dentistry issued the first license for dental therapy November 1, 2022.

As of January 13, 2023 the Oregon Board of Dentistry has issued eleven (11) Dental Therapy licenses. These dual licensed RDH/DT work for a multitude of different employers and in varying office settings, including Advantage, Capitol, Willamette, Virginia Garcia, Pacific University and one is in a private practice.

We would like to congratulate the first group of licensed dental therapist for your hard work!

Kimberly Perlot RDH, EPDH, BS, MAH, DT

Vice President ODHA

The Oregon Board of Dentistry will meet on the following Fridays during 2023:

February 24	August 25
April 28	October 27
June 16	December 15

Meetings are held at the Board office located at 1500 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 770, Portland, OR 97201. Anyone may participate in the Open Session portions of the Board meetings.

If you would like to participate in the Open Session of any board meeting, please contact ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa J. Rowley at [email protected] for more information.

Volunteer Opportunity

COCC's Dental Assisting program holds a Dental Clinic for low-income individuals two Friday's a month during the academic year. We provide fillings and extractions and dental cleanings when we have dental hygienists who volunteer. We may have an opening this year on April 28th, otherwise we would need hygienists for next academic year.

How it works: Hygienists will usually have 3-4 patients scheduled from 8:00 am to 12 noon. Volunteers work with dental assisting students and earn 6 CE credits and the heartfelt appreciation from these patients. Plus, we really appreciate you too! We also provide coffee and snacks! It is a wonderful experience for everyone and I hope you will let me know if you are interested for next academic year. I will put you on our list to contact at the end of May and give you a clinic schedule for the 2023-2024 academic year so you can let me know what day would be the best for you!

If interested, please contact Lynn Murray at [email protected].

Upcoming Events

ODHA Continuing Education Events

Metro East CE: OCD and Me		South West CE: Poor Oral Health and Cognitive Decline
Presented by: Laine Aus Neale		Presented by: Carol Jahn, RDH, MS Director of Professional Relations & Education with Waterpik
February 8 \| 6:30 - 8:30 pm (2 CE hours)		February 15 \| 6:00 - 8:00 pm (2 CE hours)
In-person (only) in West Linn		Via Zoom
Register Here		Register Here

Social Events

July 29, 2023

Join ODHA President Tracy Brunkhorst and Immediate Past President Laura Vanderwerf at this summer's Bubble Run! Join ODHA's team and enjoy a fun time socializing with hygiene friends. Join the Team Here!

2023 National Dental Conferences in Portland, Oregon

ADEA AADOCR

World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally each year on March 20. WOHD was launched by the FDI World Dental Federation to raise global awareness on the prevention and control of oral diseases. The purpose of WOHD is to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.

World Oral Health Day is a great opportunity to generate wide-spread media coverage and to raise people’s understanding of the link between oral health and oral health.

For more information click on World Oral Health Day.

Membership Information

ODHA Membership Includes:

Free CE (Local Component CEs and many ADHA webinars)
Networking leading to career growth
Community volunteering opportunities
Special ADHA Discounts (use link below)
http://www.adha.org/resources-docs/74110_Membership_Affinity_Programs.pdf
Access Magazine
Discounted conferences
And much more!

Oregon Career Center

Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings such as these from Willamette Dental Group:

Dental Hygiene Instructor

Mt. Hood Community College

View Job

Dental Hygienist

Alsea Bay Dental Clinic in Waldport

View Job

Willamette Dental Group in Hillsboro

View Job

Willamette Dental Group in Bend

View Job

Traveling Dental Hygienist

Willamette Dental Group in Salem

View Job

Post a job: https://ordha.mcjobboard.net/jobs/post/add

Student Research Study

ODHA received the following research study request from Brenda Catalan, a dental hygiene graduate student from Idaho State University. She is doing a qualitative exploratory thesis research study on the phases of dental hygiene care provided by dental hygienists utilizing teledentistry. Dental hygienists have always put patient care first, and this situation was the same during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have utilized teledentistry in any way, she would appreciate you taking the time to fill out the screening questionnaire.

SURVEY (Deadline is February 15, 2023)

Please make sure to leave your contact information on the survey if you wish to participate in the study. If you do not qualify, but know of someone who would, please share their contact information with her at [email protected] so she can reach out to them.

ADHA Institute for Oral Health

They work to:

Develop dental hygienists’ access to educational programs through Scholarships
Support advancements in the dental hygiene profession through Research Grants
Empower dental hygienists to improve the public’s health through Community Service Grants

The ADHA Institute for Oral Health is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 36-3468143.

Donate to Institute for Oral Health

Thank you to our Sponsor!

We've been fortunate to partner with Willamette Dental this year. Check out their website and job board!

Partner Organizations

ADHA Oregon | ADHA

January 2023

President's Message

Tracy Lynne Brunkhorst

Dear ODHA Members and Friends,

Last fall our distinguished Board members’ terms came to an end, and a new Board of Directors and future leaders joined our Board. I am honored to be your incoming President and I want to acknowledge the leadership provided by Laura Vanderwerf and last year's Board. I am excited to welcome the new class of Directors to the Board, new and returning members who I am certain will successfully fill their forerunners’ shoes!

Please join me in welcoming our 2022-2023 ODHA Board Members:

President-Elect: Karan Bershaw, VP: Kimberly Perlot, Treasurer: Lesley Harbison, Secretary: Reatha White, North West Director: DeAnn Dardis, High Desert Director: Sierra Schipper, Metro East Director: Heidi Klobes, South West Director: Jamie Christianson, Advocacy Director: Karen Hall, Membership Director: OPEN, At-Large Director: Rachel Patrick, and Student Liaison Director: Anna (AJ) Lewis.

I look forward to serving the ODHA as President, but I’m humbled too, especially considering the many outstanding, inspiring and tireless leaders who have kept this well-oiled machine running from year to year. I want to thank my predecessors who came before for their leadership and mentoring. Because of their achievements and continued support and dedication to excellence we stand on a firm ODHA foundation.

I have built relationships with many of you through ODHA, but for those I have not met, let me share with you my path towards becoming involved with this great organization. I started my career in North Dakota. When I joined ADHA in 1996 I soon found out that I had a huge opportunity for a chance on growth and how to pursue greatness alongside of my colleagues.

I took a chance on dental hygiene, I took a chance on connecting with peers, and I took a chance on volunteering and being in expanded practice. I also took a chance on being a member of leadership. In the beginning I didn’t think I could do any of these things. ODHA supports me in all these areas!

This year, I challenge us as members to take a chance on something, too. Maybe it’s personal, have YOU thought about leadership, expanded practice, volunteering, education or inviting a friend to a component meeting? Maybe it’s being the chance for someone else. Mentorship is a huge part of our organization. We give the chance to our patients for Oral Health every day. As providers we offer that opportunity and access to care. I can’t think of any greater gift!

The Board’s and my priorities will be to engage with members to become more involved with ODHA and to inspire more to join our membership. This next year at the component levels we will be having more in person meetings and CE. As always, we will continue our revolving CE track for online opportunities along with our annual ODHA conference in the fall.

I’m looking forward to a fantastic 2023 and I am grateful for your partnership and dedication to our Association to make it all possible!

Very Respectfully,

Tracy Lynne Brunkhorst, RDH, EPDH

#CHANCE

President

Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association

Component News

Northwest

I am delighted to introduce myself to my ODHA colleagues. I am DeAnn Dardis, hopeful future Director of ODHA NW Component. How exciting!

I am a native Oregonian, but I've lived in many places including Washington, California, South Dakota and Montana. My husband and I reside in Portland with our two spoiled dogs. When I am not teaching dental hygiene students at PCC you will find me on Mt. Hood. I love to ski! I am naturally curious, especially when it comes to learning about cultures different from my own. I believe in advocacy. I strive to use my gifts and passions professionally by teaching these important concepts to students. Currently, I enjoy teaching Community Oral Health, Pharmacology, Research and Local Anesthesia. It is with enthusiasm I step into ODHA leadership!

I am a graduate of PCC's Dental Hygiene Program. I received my BSDH at OIT. In addition to working in education, I've worked in private practice and public health. A highlight of my career was the month I spent in Thailand teaching dental hygiene skills to high school students. This is where I found my love for teaching!

My goal as a leader for the ODHA is to provide support to members and facilitate a fun and energetic presence in our community. I am committed to providing leadership in advocacy and to reach the underserved. I am thankful for the privileges our association has afforded our profession and now I am eager to give back through leadership. I look forward to collaborating and having fun with all of you and ODHA's outstanding leaders.

If you are interested in joining me, I am looking for partners in leadership. The NW Component has two positions open, Chair and Secretary. Let's work together to grow professionally and personally. We can do great things!

Warmly,

DeAnn Dardis, RDH, BSDH, EPP

High Desert

My name is Sierra Schipper and I’m the new director for the High Desert component! I’m an RDH at Denture Artistry Implants-Crowns-Veneers in Bend. Having only been licensed since June of 2021, I’m eager to learn and grow in my dental hygiene career as well as contribute to our association. Being in such a wide-spread component territory, it is our goal to increase membership by gaining better access to continuing education courses and study groups throughout our component.

Sierra Schipper “Talk soon!”

Sierra Schipper BS, RDH

Committee News

Advocacy

2023 Oregon Legislative Session

The Oregon Dental Association (ODA) plans to request that the Oregon Legislature allocate $20 million toward projects intended to address the shortage of dental assistants & dental hygienists.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) plans to introduce a bill that would remove the sunset date for the Oregon Dental Workforce Pilots Projects.

The ODHA will monitor & comment on bills related to dentistry throughout the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session. Please contact ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] for more information, questions or comments about ODHA advocacy issues and if you would like to become involved in ODHA Advocacy activities!

Board Member Spotlight

I am Kim Perlot and I work for Capitol Dental as a community outreach hygienist. I completed my undergrad and graduate degrees at Oregon Tech. As a community outreach EPDH I have worked in different medical/dental locations. I was the first hygienist to start and operate the Madras Integrated EPDH office for Gentle Dental. I recently completed the Dental Therapy pilot #300 at Pacific University.

I live in Bend with my significant other, Robin. He is a civil engineer who focuses on wastewater. I have two grown boys who work on tugboats on the Columbia River. My oldest son is married, and my youngest son just got engaged to his high school sweetheart.

My hobbies include lifting weights, running, paddle boarding, hiking, hunting, and overland camping. I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts. I love renovating and remodeling houses and bringing old furniture back to life.

Membership Spotlight

Amy Coplen

Student Corner

The second-year dental hygiene students at Portland Community College (PCC) were ecstatic to learn they were selected as the 1^stplace winners of the 2023 ADHA Student Chapter Video Competition. It was a wonderful way to wrap the end of the fall term. ADHA and Heartland Dental partnered to provide dental hygiene students from across the country a platform to show the incredible work they are doing each day. PCC students shared their real-life perspective to dispel myths about being a dental hygienist. Watch the video HERE.

The 2^nd year dental hygiene students were inspired by themes such as diversity, public health, and recognizing the dental hygienist as more than just a “teeth cleaner.” Todd Schreiber, one of the lead creators of the video, commented “the secret to their success was emphasizing the strong communal and familial bonds that dental hygiene students create while in school.” Once in the dental hygiene program, students from all over the world create life-long bonds based on friendship, respect and the experience of growing both personally and professionally to become competent and compassionate oral health care providers.

Brooke Hart, the second lead creator of the video, explained “I think the video shined through because of our incredible diversity and how that helps us reach a broader community.” She also shared “our class includes students that are either first generation college students or students who have immigrated from 11 different countries with at least 5 different religions. Despite these and other unique differences, we have bonded together with love and the common goal of helping people.”

The dental hygiene students are extremely grateful for the $2,000 prize to strengthen and support their student chapter. The faculty and staff at Portland Community College are proud of the students for collaborating to create such an amazing video. It is rewarding for the students to be recognized for their accomplishments and the remarkable skills and talents they bring to the dental hygiene profession.

Submitted By:

Jessica August, CDA, RDH, BSDH, MSDH

Director of Dental Sciences

Portland Community College

Student Research Study

SURVEY (Deadline is February 15, 2023)

Oregon Board of Dentistry News

ODHA Reps to Standing Committees of the Board

At the beginning of each year, the Oregon Board of Dentistry asks the ODHA to submit the names of dental hygienists who will represent the ODHA on standing committees of the Board. The ODHA has a representative on each of the following standing committees of the Oregon Board of Dentistry: Communications, Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy Rules Oversight, Enforcement & Discipline, Licensing, Standards & Competency and Rules Oversight.

Standing committees of the Oregon Board of Dentistry meet to discuss issues that are referred to them and then make recommendations back to the Board. Standing committees may or may not meet throughout the year. Representatives to these standing committees serve for one year, from April to March, and may be reappointed. The ODHA representatives to these standing committees are appointed by the ODHA President with approval of the ODHA Board of Directors. This is a volunteer position with no remuneration and no reimbursement for expenses.

If you are interested in representing the ODHA on a standing committee of the Oregon Board of Dentistry this year contact ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] by January 20, 2023.

Upcoming Events

Oregon Board of Dentistry - February Board Meeting

OBD

The Oregon Board of Dentistry will meet on Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Board office located at 1500 SW 1^st Avenue, Suite 770, Portland 97201. The agenda for this meeting will include a Zoom link for participants who would like to attend virtually. Anyone may participate in the Open Sessions of the Board meeting.

The agenda and public packet for this Board meeting will be posted approximately one week before the meeting on the Board website at www.oregon.gov/dentistry. Scroll down to About Us and click on Meetings. The public packet is usually more than 200 pages in length. We recommend that you review this document online, and only print pages if you need them.

If you would like to participate in the Open Sessions of this or any future board meeting, contact ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] for more information. Upcoming Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings will be held on the following Fridays: April 28, June 16, August 25, October 27 and December 15.

ADEA AADOCR

2023 National Dental Conferences in Portland, Oregon

World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day is a great opportunity to generate wide-spread media coverage and to raise people’s understanding of the link between oral health and oral health.

For more information click on World Oral Health Day.

Brush Floss Smile

February is Children’s Dental Health Month

To learn more about National Children’s Dental Health Month please visit: ADA.org/NCDHM. You can also order FREE Posters or purchase Postcards, and download materials.

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Membership Information

ODHA Membership Includes

Free CE (Local Component CEs and many ADHA webinars)
Networking leading to career growth
Community volunteering opportunities
Special ADHA Discounts (use link below)
http://www.adha.org/resources-docs/74110_Membership_Affinity_Programs.pdf
Access Magazine
Discounted conferences
And much more!

Oregon Career Center

Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings such as these from Willamette Dental Group:

Dental Hygienist

Portland

Lincoln City

Traveling Dental Hygienist

Beaverton

Portland

Salem

Post a job: https://ordha.mcjobboard.net/jobs/post/add

ADHA Institute for Oral Health

They work to:

Develop dental hygienists’ access to educational programs through Scholarships
Support advancements in the dental hygiene profession through Research Grants
Empower dental hygienists to improve the public’s health through Community Service Grants

The ADHA Institute for Oral Health is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 36-3468143.

Donate to Institute for Oral Health

Thank you to our Sponsor!

We've been fortunate to partner with Willamette Dental this year. Check out their website and job board!

March 2023

President's Message

Component News

Committee News

2023 Oregon Legislative Session

Membership Spotlight

Oregon Board of Dentistry News

Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Events

2023 National Dental Conferences in Portland, Oregon

Membership Information

Oregon Career Center

ADHA Institute for Oral Health

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Partner Organizations

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