���Ϲ�

Part I: “Detection & Desiccation: Early Recognition and Non-Surgical Rescue of Ailing Implants”

Friday, February 27, 2026

1-2:30 PM EST

Sponsored By: YOUNG Innovations

This 1.5-hour course provides a comprehensive look at implant evaluation and early intervention strategies. It outlines an evidence-based assessment protocol, reviews non-surgical treatment options—including desiccation therapy—and critically examines the benefits and limitations of commonly used adjuncts. The content integrates current science and supporting research with personal clinical experience and real-world case examples to demonstrate how early detection and minimally invasive interventions can improve outcomes and support long-term implant success. Special emphasis is placed on recognizing the early signs of peri-implant disease and exploring minimally invasive approaches that can be initiated in the hygiene setting.

Objectives:

1. ���Ϲ� an evidence-based assessment protocol, including probing, palpation, and radiographic interpretation, to evaluate implant health.
2. Evaluate non-surgical treatment options for managing early peri-implant disease, with a focus on desiccation therapy.
3. Compare the benefits and limitations of adjunctive therapies commonly used in hygiene-based implant care.
4. Incorporate current research and case-based examples to support collaborative decisions regarding early intervention

Presenter: Tracee Dahm, BSDH, MS

Tracee S. Dahm, BSDH, MS, is an adjunct clinical instructor for the North Idaho College School of Dental Hygiene. She also works for Young Innovations as an educator and moderator. Dahm has been published in dental journals, magazines, webinars, and textbooks. Tracee’s publications have been featured on various dental podcasts. She is a key opinion leader on cutting-edge innovations in the hygiene field and is currently conducting a scoping review on the lack of access to care for the institutionalized elderly population.  Tracee has also undertaken research with periodontal pathogens. Her research interests include trends in dental hygiene, improving access to dental care for the underserved, and mental health.   

Part II: “Foundations in Dental Hygiene: Essential Tips and Strategies for Dental Hygienists”

Friday, February 27, 2026

2:30-4:00 PM EST

Sponsored By: Sunstar

Foundations in Dental Hygiene: Essential Tips and Strategies for Dental Hygienists is a practical and empowering course designed to support dental hygiene professionals at every stage of their career. The program addresses core competencies that drive success in dentistry, including communication, networking, mentorship, and career development across clinical and non-clinical settings.

Objectives:

1. Gain the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate career development, whether entering the field, transitioning roles, or elevating current practice.
2. Strengthen the ability to network, communicate, and build professional relationships that support long-term success and influence within the dental hygiene community.  
    

Presenter: Brittany Glauz, BSDH, RDH, RDHAP

Brittany Glauz, BSDH, RDH, RDHAP is a registered dental hygienist, educator, speaker, and the founder of Brush with Britt, an educational platform supporting both dental hygiene students and practicing clinicians. She is passionate about prevention, professional growth, and helping hygienists feel confident and prepared at every stage of their careers. 
 
Brittany has been recognized for her advocacy and leadership within the profession, including receiving the 2023 Award of Distinction and the 2024 World Hygienist Award. Through speaking engagements, webinars, podcasts, and digital resources, she focuses on communication, career development, mentorship, and real-world strategies that elevate clinical practice and long-term career satisfaction. 
 
Known for her approachable and relatable teaching style, Brittany connects with audiences by combining practical education with encouragement, empowering hygienists to grow professionally while staying grounded in the purpose of their work. 

 

“Dental Hygienists Are Essential Primary Care Providers: Making Waves: Mindset & Momentum”

Friday, February 27, 2026

5:00-8:00 PM EST

Sponsored By: Curaprox

Dental hygiene is no longer confined to scaling and polishing—it is an integral part of whole-body health care. As our profession evolves, it is vital for every hygienist to stay informed about the latest trends, legislation, scope-of-practice changes, and clinical innovations shaping our future. This course empowers hygienists to understand the current state of the profession, recognize their role as health care providers, and take actionable steps to elevate patient care. Participants will explore how professional autonomy directly impacts clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, and community health. By bridging knowledge of professional issues with hands-on clinical practice, hygienists will leave equipped to advocate for their profession, integrate new science into care, and confidently embody their role as essential health care providers.

Objectives:

1. Describe the current professional landscape of dental hygiene, including scope of practice, autonomy, and legislative trends.
2. Recognize how professional awareness and advocacy directly influence clinical care and patient outcomes.
3. Integrate new research, technologies, and interprofessional collaborations into daily practice to advance patient health. 
    

Presenter: Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA
 

For nearly three decades, Lancette VanGuilder has been shaping the future of dental hygiene—leading, educating, and advocating on local, national, and international stages. A proud graduate of the University of South Dakota, Lancette calls Reno, Nevada, home, but her impact knows no borders.

From past president of the Nevada Dental Hygienists’ Association to serving on the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Board of Directors, Lancette’s leadership has left a lasting mark. Her dedication has earned her prestigious accolades, including the ADHA Professional Achievement Award, the ADHA Award for Excellence (an honor bestowed upon only a select few in a century), Nevada Dental Hygienist of the Year and the internationally recognized Denobi “All Star” Award for being a trailblazer in all 7 professional roles of the dental hygienist. She has also been named one of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s “Six Dental Hygienists You Need to Know.”

A dynamic educator and sought-after speaker, Lancette is a recognized key opinion leader and mentor in the dental industry. Whether on stage, writing articles or in podcasts, she champions cutting-edge approaches to care—pioneering mobile and Teledentistry solutions, advocating for vaccine administration by dental hygienists, and leading conversations on innovative medical-dental integration. She is a proud airway ambassador and podcast host for Beyond Breathing, an international platform that highlights the importance of sleep, breathing and oral health for optimal health and longevity.

Beyond the podium, Lancette is a hands-on clinician. She owns an independent mobile dental hygiene practice, is the clinical director of Sierra Sleep, Airway & Wellness Center, and founded Hygienist for Health, an AGD PACE approved national CE company. Her passion for prevention and equitable access to dental care extends into policy, where she volunteers as a registered lobbyist for nonprofit initiatives.

As the 2025-2026 President  of the ADHA, Lancette will continue to push boundaries, inspire professionals, and drive the global conversations on interprofessional practice.

Session 3: “WHEN, WHERE & WHY? The Dental Hygienists Guide to Combining Hand Scaling, Air Polishing and Ultrasonic Procedures”

Saturday, February 28, 2026

9 AM-12 PM EST

Dental hygienists dedicated to clinical practice spend the majority of patient treatment time battling biofilm, calculus, and stain. While ultrasonic technology, subgingival air polishing, and hand instruments each have their claims for effectively disrupting and removing hard and soft deposits, the key question remains:  when, where and why should each method be used? This session separates science from clever marketing and explores advantages and limitations of each procedure, inspiring the critical thinking needed to develop individualized debridement strategies for each patient’s unique needs. The session will feature live audience polling and clinical demonstrations to reinforce key takeaways and support practical application.

Objectives:

1. Examine current research on ultrasonics, supra/subgingival air polishing, and hand instrumentation to determine their respective roles in preventing and treating periodontal disease.
2. ���Ϲ� evidence-based decision making to select and sequence debridement instruments, magnetostrictive and piezoelectric technologies, and powder formulations to achieve patient-specific clinical results and maximize comfort.
3. Design or enhance biofilm therapy protocols that strengthen overall treatment efficiency, streamline appointment flow and promote professional growth and satisfaction within the dental hygiene team.

Presenter: Dani Botbyl, RDH

Dani Botbyl is an educator, author, and award-winning researcher and who been a trailblazer for the advancement of ultrasonic technology in dental hygiene practice and education in North America and abroad. The culmination of her knowledge and research has produced multiple publications in industry and peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Dani has presented hundreds of courses to students, faculty and practicing clinicians nationally and internationally. Her passion for enhancing the expertise of dental hygienists creates learning experiences that are not to be missed!

“Combating Dental Health Misinformation:  Effective Communication Strategies”

Saturday, February 28, 2026

1 PM-4 PM EST

In today’s digital age, dental professionals face the growing challenge of misinformation on social media, leading to confusion and mistrust among patients regarding evidence-based dental practices.  This course is designed to equip dental professionals with the essential communication skills needed to effectively combat dental health misinformation. Attendees will examine common types of misinformation circulating on social media and understand the significant impact these falsehoods have on patient behavior and trust in dental professionals.  The course will focus on the importance of strategic messaging, proactive engagement, and collaboration in addressing these challenges.  Through this course, dental professionals will learn effective one-on-one communication techniques for engaging with patients in the operatory when discussing misinformation, as well as strategies for improving public communication on social media.  Attendees will gain insights into creating interactive and informative content that builds trust and credibility.  Additionally, the course will cover techniques for tailoring communication strategies to counter misinformation while keeping the audience engaged and fostering collective advocacy for evidence-based practices.  By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped to proactively address misinformation, enhance public trust, and promote accurate dental health information on social media platforms, ultimately contributing to improved public dental health.

Objectives:

1. Identify common types of misinformation related to dental health on social media platforms.
2. Employ effective strategies to correct misinformation without compromising audience engagement.
3. Proactively engage with patients and the public through interactive and informative content on social media platforms.
4. Tailor communication strategies to effectively counter misinformation while maintaining credibility.

Presenter: Whitney DiFoggio, MA, RDH

Whitney DiFoggio is a dedicated dental health communicator known for her influential presence as “Teeth Talk Girl” on social media. As a registered dental hygienist, she holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois Chicago and a master’s degree in communication from Arizona State University.

Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in health science at ���Ϲ�. Whitney combines her clinical expertise with her passion for effective communication to address dental health misinformation online.

Her educational initiatives span across multiple platforms, reaching both the general public and dental professionals through her engaging content on () and her .

Session 5: "Weed Will…Weed Will…Rock You! The Fall and Rise of Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Terpenes and Their Dental Considerations”

Sunday, March 1, 2026

9 AM-Noon

How much do we know about Cannabis? The DEA considers cannabis to have no accepted medical use. Therefore, it is illegal to possess. Yet, almost every state has enacted legislation aimed at legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis for medical or recreational use. Despite this rise in social and legal acceptance, public health concerns regarding the use of cannabis remain, especially among dental professionals since the major routes of administration of cannabis involves the oral cavity.

This program will introduce dental professionals to the pharmacology of cannabis, including its various dosage forms, routes of administration and adverse reactions.  Special emphasis will be placed on the effects of cannabis use on oral health and dental treatment, as well as the proposed use of cannabis in dentistry for the management of patient anxiety and odontogenic pain.

Objectives

1. Discuss the history and various types of cannabis, as well as its current legal status.
2. Describe the pharmacology of cannabis, including its mechanism of action, routes of administration, available formulations and proposed uses in dentistry.
3. Explain the clinical considerations of cannabis use, including adverse reactions, drug interactions, contraindications and effects on major organ systems.
4. Explore the dental considerations of cannabis, including potential treatment modifications, and strategies for patient care planning.

Presenter: Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P.

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P.has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. Tom has presented over 1000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.