3rd Vermont Oral Health Conference Huge Success!
The Third Vermont Annual Oral Health Conference (The Power of Change) was the best one yet. The conference began on Thursday evening with the course, “Pathos of Pathology: Puzzles, Perplexities and Paradigms” presented by Betsy Reynolds, RDH, MS. In her outstanding presentation style Betsy entertained the group of hygienists and dentists who dined on delicious hors d’ouevres and desserts.
Sixteen exhibit booths were available and were buzzing with excitement as meeting participants learned of the new products available to improve patient care.
Friday morning began with breakfast in the Exhibit Hall. Two courses “New Horizons in Periodontal Therapy” presented by Betsy Reynolds and “Options for Esthetic Whitening” were held simultaneously that morning. The course participants found both courses to be of excellent quality.
Following the lunch the Annual Meeting of the Vermont Dental Hygienists’ Association was held. Sheila Bannister, RDH, BS VDHA President gave thorough presentation of the VDHA activities throughout the year. Diane Peterson, RDH, MS the ADHA District I Trustee explained current ADHA plans. A question and answer session regarding the progress of the VDHA highlighted the meeting. Dr. Patrick Rowe the new Department of Health Dental Director was introduced and addressed the group.
Michelle McKay, RDH, BS was presented with the 2009 Outstanding Dental Hygienist of the Year Award. Special Recognition Awards were presented to Renay L. Ivens, DDS and Ruth Cousino of Patterson Dental Supply for their continued support of the VDHA. Five new Executive Board Officers were inducted into their positions: Mary Lew, RDH, BS President, Rebecca Dietrich, RDH Vice President, Leslie Hills, RDH, M. Ed. Treasurer, Carly Tedesco, RDH Secretary and Sheila Bannister, RDH, BS Immediate Past President.
Winners of the VDHA Raffle were announced during the afternoon courses:
Quilt.....Heather Blair Sonicare.....Erica Brown
Quilted Wall Hanging.....Jan Sherman Patterson Duffle Bag (#1).....Crystal Meservey
Quilted Tote Bag.....Judy Nist Patterson Duffle Bag (#2).....Villa Rakochy
Wii Sports Playstation.....Tracy Towers 3M ESPE Whitening System..... Judy Nist
Rose Picture.....Brenda Mangan $25 Visa Gift Card (#1).....Maureen Sgorbati
Hu-Friedy Gift Bag.....Rena Chernick $25 Visa Gift Card (#2).....Cara Somaini
Crest White Strips.....Sandy Beynnon $10 Starbuck's Gift Card (#1).....Barb Hodgkins
Braun Oral-B (#1).....Cindy Lamb $10 Starbuck's Gift Card (#2).....Cindy Lamb
Braun Oral-B (#2).....Mary Kay Burnor
Ninety-eight pounds of non-perishable food items were collected by course participants and delivered to the Burlington Food Shelf.
The conference ended with a Tooth Tutor Program presented by Linda Greaves, RDH, BA; Rebecca MacDonald, RDH, BA; and Robin Miller, RDH, BA. In addition to the Tooth Tutor Program, other course participants satisfied their licensure requirements by attending a continuing education course presented by Ellen B. Grimes, RDH, MA, MPA, Ed.D entitled “Medical Emergencies: Essentials for the Dental Professional”. The course was well received and Hillary Spence, RDH was the winner of the Ellen’s textbook that she gave away during the course.
The conference was absolutely outstanding due in large part to the efforts of the VDHA Annual Meeting Planning Committee: Leslie Hills, RDH, M.Ed; Rebecca MacDonald, RDH, BA and Ellen B. Grimes, RDH, MA, MPA, Ed.D.
Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Oral Health Conference to be held on August 26 and 27, 2010 at the Hampton Inn Hotel and Conference Center, Colchester, VT!