DAY ONE

Oral Pathology

The recognition, diagnosis, and management of oral pathologic conditions requires knowledge of the lesion's clinical characteristics as well as the underlying risk factors, etiology, genetic, and systemic manifestations. Each of these pathologies has unique clinical characteristics. This interactive oral  review covers common infectious, reactive/traumatic, pigmented, white, red, blue, purple, and bone lesions, as well as the vesiculobullous/desquamative gingival conditions. Participants will have the opportunity to identify different pathologic lesions and create differential diagnoses.

Head and Neck Cancer

Our patients present with many different and interesting pathologic conditions. Early diagnosis and management of extraoral and intraoral lesions are crucial in preventing the progression of oral cancer and improving the overall health and well-being of patients. Regular head and neck oral cancer screenings can help identify issues early, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Interactive discussions will focus on risk factors, etiology, differential diagnosis, genetic, and systemic manifestations of common pathologic lesions found in the head and neck regions. Dental hygienists' play an important role in educating patients about head and neck oral findings and in initiating referrals to specialists.

DAY TWO

 Advocacy

Implicit bias is part of everyone. Bias is neither good nor bad, however, it can be positive, negative, or neutral. Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that can influence our perceptions, judgments, and decision-making, often without our awareness or intent. Once implicit biases are identified and understood, they can be leveraged as tools to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in oral healthcare practices. Participants will learn how to recognize implicit bias and how to adapt implicit bias behaviors, attitudes, and practices to help promote available opportunities for others; whether they be patients or team members. Changing implicit practices can impact how we engage and interact in various healthcare settings and with our patients while improving and increasing opportunities to empower those around us.

 Mindfulness

 Stress is documented to be a contributing factor in the etiology of acute and chronic disease processes and mental health issues. When oral health care providers recognize and understand how stress impacts well-being, they can confront and utilize mindful practice to mitigate negative effects. Participants will gain an understanding of what mindfulness means through engaging activities and how stressful practice influences actions, thoughts, and behaviors. The audience will discover how to use mindfulness as a tool to intentionally improve well-being. Knowledge gained from this workshop will empower the audience members to improve everyday decisions and interactions in various settings and most importantly, empower participants to increase health and well being practices when confronted with stress for themselves and those around them.