Planning & Development Council News
Scientific Session News: 26-28 March 2021
SO SAVE THE DATE! Planning has been going on for several months and now most everything is in place. This will be a virtual conference again this year because sadly, we cannot meet in person. Luckily, we have people that can do the technological end of the meeting. Last year it turned out to be a last-minute switch and these wonderful people handled it beautifully. I certainly hate missing everyone in person and the good time we have.
The proposed speakers will be co presenters on Friday morning Sherri Lukes, RDH, MS, MAADH, and Dr. Robert Lee presenting “Stressed Out! Coping With Consequences in Challenging Times,” Dr. Lee will also present Friday afternoon “Ignite your plan B! – Diversifying Your Career In The Industry.” Saturday morning will have Pat Pine, RDH, COM who will present a course on Oral Myofunctional Disorders information titled: “Orofacial Myology Awareness for the Licensed Hygienist.” This is pertinent since the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association just passed a resolution recognizing this area of expertise. Saturday afternoon we will have a newcomer to us, Christy Jo Fogarty, RDH, ADT, BSDH, MSOH will discuss the evolution of Dental Therapist (how Minnesota created and got it passed). Since Virginia has a course in the works pertaining to this area this may give good information we can use. Lastly, for Sunday morning, Brent Garvin will speak on “Get FIT—Improve Your Dental FITness: Fully Integrating Technology.” Course descriptions will be given soon.
This was a difficult conference to plan, because recently there have been numerous free online courses with wonderful speakers. We would love to have your support for the VDHA and attend what we have to offer. Support for your association comes in many forms and this is one!
“See” you in March.
Sheila B. Sheats,
RDH Continuing Education Chair
COVID-19 Vaccinator Legislation Information
The General Assembly passed emergency legislation to expand the pool of COVID-19 vaccinators in Virginia. The Governor signed the legislation on February 15, 2021, when it became effective immediately.
For more information and links to resources, see the full notice on our News page.
VHDA will continue to update members as information becomes available.
VDA & VDHA Letter to Governor Northam – We Can Help Vaccination Effort
Recently, VDHA and the Virginia Dental Association sent a jointly signed letter to our Governor, outlining our position on the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan. In short, we asked that the state exercise its authority to call on dental hygienists as "non-traditional vaccinators" as an emergency measure, as we are eager to help with the rollout and administration of this important health care service.
Please read the letter for yourself. Thank you for your continued efforts to keep Virginians healthy and safe.
Hygienists Supporting Head Start
If you are looking for a silver lining these days, here is ONE silver lining for our dental hygiene community: There are still ‘patients’ in our community who need your expertise regarding the importance of oral health. Along with so many of our schools and other functions going virtual right now, most Virginia Head Start classrooms are having to do the same. They are looking for virtual oral health education options to help fulfill their federal requirements.
Through our partnership with the Virginia Health Catalyst, VDHA is helping to fill an educational void by encouraging our members to support a local Head Start program. Get your creative juices flowing! What a change of pace this offers—and is that ever needed right now! Learn more
Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Partners with VDHA
The Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA) is very excited to partner with the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC-https://www.vafreeclinics.org/). Our mission to improve the oral health and overall health to the public –which includes economically challenged individuals- aligns with VAFCC’s vision where all people have equitable access to comprehensive, quality health care.
We hope to open communication between the associations to share educational concepts, involve more volunteer hygienists who have a passion for treating the underserved, and join forces in advocacy to ensure Virginia’s underserved have access to quality health and dental care.
Please consider volunteering (a few of the clinics employ hygienists) at a clinic in your area. A list of the clinics (by components) and their information is located under Advocacy/ Public Health.
Questions please contact:
Sherry Basham, RDH, MSDH VDHA Liaison to VAFCC plaquechaser@yahoo.com
Lists of Free and Charitable Dental Clinics in Virginia
Remote Supervision - Guidelines to Practice CE Course
- VDHA’s “Remote Supervision: Guidelines for Practice” 2 hour CE course - As the Voice of Dental Hygiene, VDHA is pleased to offer this course to to members and potential members. This course complies with the Board of Dentistry’s requirements for hygienists wishing to practice under remote supervision.
- Supplemental Resources (including Remote Supervision Toolkits)
Upcoming events
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