2025 Scientific Session - Full Schedule
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
7:00pm - 9:00pm (Zoom) Trauma-informed Care in the Dental Office - uncovering the hidden clues that lead to better health outcomes for you and your patients Kyle Isaacs, RDHEP
Description:
Dental offices can be a source of stress for our patients making it difficult to provide care to a large population of people. This can be from early dental treatment that resulted in negative experiences, and it can be from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), abuse, and other non-dental traumas that our patients may have experienced. Unfortunately, abuse is a global issue and in 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that one billion children between the ages of two and 17 had experienced some type of abuse, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Long-term effects from such traumas can and often do result in chronic diseases and lack of regular health care, including dental care. As healthcare providers, dental professionals need to understand the health implications of a history of trauma and techniques to help our patients.
| Kyle Isaacs, RDHEP Kyle Isaacs is an expanded practice dental hygienist (EPDH) working for Benton County providing dental hygiene care for low-income patients. She started a mobile dental hygiene business in 2014 taking care of low-income patients in a local church, long-term care facilities, schools, adult foster care homes, and private residences for patients who are not ambulatory. Kyle is an orofacial myofunctional therapist and started her business MyO2 Breathe to assist people on their journey to health. She writes a monthly dental blog for a local organization supporting families of young children and teaches the oral health unit for certification for community health workers. In addition to speaking, she is a published author and a recipient of the 2017 SUNSTAR Award of Distinction, the 2018 HuFriedy/ADHA Master Clinician Award, and in 2023 was recognized as One of the Six Dental Hygienists You Want To Know for 2023 in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. Kyle is a member of the AADH, ADHA, ODHA, NNHH, and ADHP. |
Friday, March 21, 2025
7:00am - 5:00pm REGISTRATION (Breakfast is NOT provided on Friday)
9:00am -10:00am Jamie Sacksteder, BOD Update
Description:
This presentation will provide key updates from the Executive Director of the Virginia Board of Dentistry, focusing on recent regulatory and law changes, licensing requirements, and guidelines affecting dental hygienists across the state. Topics include revisions to continuing education requirements, updates on the RDH licensure compact, and updates in remote supervision. This session aims to equip dental hygienists with essential knowledge to remain compliant and deliver high-quality care under the latest regulations and law set by the Virginia Board of Dentistry.
| Jamie Sacksteder, Executive Director, Virginia Board of Dentistry Jamie has worked in Virginia state government for 13 years serving in a variety of executive and senior management positions in health and human service agencies. She has an extensive background in developing and implementing laws and regulations to protect the public as well as in conducting investigations and audits to address accountability in service delivery. She brings a collaborative approach to her work, leveraging both her analytical skills and creativity to solve complex challenges and drive successful outcomes. Prior to working in state government, she worked for 8 years in the private sector working in the mental health field. She began working with the Board of Dentistry in 2019 as the Deputy Executive Director and oversaw disciplinary procedures of licensees of the Board. Jamie became the Executive Director in July 2022. She is currently the Vice President of the American Association of Dental Administrators and is currently a workgroup representative, chosen by her peers, on the Dental Assisting National Board to develop a National Workgroup Model for Dental Assistants. Her commitment to professional growth and her keen insight into emerging trends has made her a respected voice and sought-after expert. |
10:00am - 1:00pm Are Those Creepy Crawlers Hiding in Your Gums? Tosha Kosloski, RDH
Description:
Have you become desensitized to bleeding gums? As a pervasive issue among a substantial number of our patients, we can inadvertently grow desensitized to this concern, almost overlooking the fact that the risks extend well beyond compromising the longevity of dental work —it can pose life-threatening consequences.
Explore the transformative capabilities of phase-contrast microscopy in the realm of periodontal care. This technology not only facilitates earlier detection and intervention of gum disease but also empowers us to engage, motivate, and educate patients about the whole health effects of periodontal disease. Imagine being able to show your patients their bacteria in less than 2 minutes, instantly motivating them to seek help.
This course also offers refreshed verbal scripts designed to help patients better understand their infection, making it easier for you to communicate the urgency and importance of treatment.
 | Tosha Kosloski, RDH Tosha Kosloski, RDH, is a dental consultant and educator dedicated to transforming the dental paradigm from reactive to proactive. With expertise in verbal scripts, microscopy, and salivary diagnostics, Tosha empowers dental teams to gain a deeper understanding of the mouth-body connection through visualization. She fosters a culture of comprehensive patient care, turning providers into motivated, knowledgeable healthcare professionals who inspire patients to prioritize their oral and systemic health. |
1:00pm - 2:00pm LUNCH
2:00pm -5:00pm Dental Hygiene in the Digital Age: Navigating New Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Angy Rodriguez, RDH
Description:
In the ever-evolving field of dental hygiene, professionals of all ages must adapt to the rapid influx of new technologies and artificial intelligence. This course delves into the history of dental technology and explores the latest advancements shaping the field today. Participants will explore how technology has transformed dental care, from early innovations that revolutionized the field to the current integration of artificial intelligence and social media for patient education and clinical growth. Ethical and legal considerations surrounding these innovations will also be discussed to ensure responsible implementation. Emphasizing the historical context and present-day applications, this course aims to equip dental hygienists with the knowledge to embrace a technologically enhanced future while upholding the core values of dental hygiene practice.
| Angy Rodriguez, RDH Maria Rodriguez, better known as Angy, graduated from Rio Salado College in 2017. She is a proud member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and has had the opportunity to deliver virtual CE courses for Dental Hygiene Spark Club and Cloud Dentistry. In her six years of practice, Angy has worked as a temporary hygienist, gaining exposure to various types of offices, software, and new technologies. She recently expanded her role beyond clinical hygiene to become the Learning and Development Manager at Cloud Dentistry. Her collaboration with influential speakers and educators has sparked her interest in public speaking, allowing her to share her insights and experiences with a broader audience. |
5:15pm - 7:15pm Foundation Reception and Exhibits
Saturday, March 22, 2025
7:00am -2:00pm REGISTRATION
8:00am -9:00am BREAKFAST
9:00am -12:00pm
Course 1: Dental Detectives: Screening Kids for Sleep Apnea
Description:
Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and potentially life- threatening condition that can impact a child's mental and physical health. Many signs and symptoms of disordered breathing can be identified in the head and neck region, including the oral cavity. By the end of this course, participants will have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to identify some of top red flags and common contributing factors for disordered breathing in children. Dental practitioners will gain confidence and skills to have the ability to implement airway assessments into routine pediatric dental appointments.
Course 2: Bruxism, TMJ and Sleep Apnea
Description:
This course offers dental practitioners an in-depth understanding of the intricate relationship between teeth
grinding/clenching, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and disordered breathing. We will explore the connection between the conditions and the interdisciplinary strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Participants will gain comprehensive insights into the anatomical, physiological, and clinical aspects of anatomy, function, sleep and breathing, allowing them to collaborate effectively as part of a patient-centered care team.
Lancette Vanguilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA
| Lancette Vanguilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA As an internationally recognized keynote speaker, author, educator, and thought leader, Lancette has made significant contributions to the field through her work as a clinician, airway ambassador, and public health advocate. Lancette is the Clinical Director for Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center in Reno, Nevada. She is also the podcast host for Beyond Breathing, a podcast that features educational and inspirational solutions for all who are seeking improved health and wellness through optimal breathing, sleep and oral health. Her podcast and speaking engagements have had a significant global impact, reaching nearly 30 countries around the world. Lancette offers multiple opportunities for medical and dental providers to work together through lunch and learns, educational symposiums, webinars, podcasts/blogs, speaking/writing, and coaching on interprofessional practice. Lancette's passion for increasing access to care, disease prevention, and fostering medical-dental collaboration has earned her numerous awards and recognition in the dental community. She is currently the President-Elect of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, where she continues to lead initiatives that advance healthcare through dentistry and promote overall health and wellness. |
12:00pm -2:00pm LUNCH & EXHIBITS
2:00pm - 5:00pm Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases – Aligning the Dental Hygiene Diagnosis
Marianne Dryer, RDH, M.ED.
Description:
The updated AAP classification system created in 2017 represents a multi-dimensional staging and grading framework for periodontitis and implant disease status. This course will examine the concepts of staging and grading to classify each patient by complexity of case management, likelihood of less predictable response to therapy, and potential for periodontitis development.
Diagnosing, treatment planning, and executing appropriate and necessary periodontal therapies will be reviewed utilizing case presentations and group activities. A hallmark feature of the updated system brings opportunities for more case specific patient care. The need for calibration and clinician alignment with the new classification system will be discussed along with narrative examples for documentation recommendations.
 | Marianne Dryer, RDH, M.ED. Marianne Dryer is a dynamic speaker, educator and corporate consultant in curriculum development. She has lectured nationally and internationally on periodontal instrumentation with a focus on ultrasonic technique, risk assessment, infection prevention and radiology technique. Marianne’s experience in dentistry spans over 30 years. She is a graduate of Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, Old Dominion University and received her Master’s in Education from St Joseph’s College of Maine. Marianne was the first year coordinator at Collin College in Dallas Texas for six years where she was selected for the Outstanding Faculty Award and was nominated for the Advisor of the Year. She has been a faculty member at Cape Cod Community College since 2007, and Program Director since 2019. Marianne is also a Periodontal Instrumentation Instructor for DH Methods of Education, Inc., an educational program for dental and dental hygiene faculty. She has been a strong advocate for introducing ultrasonic instrumentation into dental hygiene curriculums earlier and with more structured, foundational content. |
The Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization located at 140B Purcellville Gateway Drive, Suite 120, Purcellville, VA 20132. 540-495-0950. Contact VDHA