UPCOMING - Hospital Hygiene

1 CE | LIVE on August 7th, 11AM CT

Descriptions: This session explores the evolving and vital role of dental hygienists within hospital and medical environments. As research continues to demonstrate the strong connection between oral health and systemic disease, dental hygienists are emerging as essential contributors to improved patient outcomes, reduced morbidity, and decreased mortality among hospitalized populations. This course highlights how preventive oral care, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration can significantly influence overall health and recovery in medical settings.

Participants will examine current evidence supporting the integration of dental hygienists into hospitals, intensive care units, long-term care facilities, and other medical environments. Emphasis is placed on innovative models of care, collaborative practice with medical teams, and the hygienist’s role in preventing hospital-acquired conditions such as aspiration pneumonia and systemic infections. Through real-world examples and emerging research, this course inspires dental hygienists to reimagine their scope of practice, recognize new career pathways, and confidently advocate for their role as integral members of the healthcare team.

This course is designed to empower dental hygienists to lead oral health initiatives in medical settings, advancing patient-centered care while shaping the future of the profession.

Objectives:

• Describe the role of dental hygienists in medical settings, with emphasis on preventive oral care, patient education, and interprofessional education and collaboration.
• Explain the connection between oral health and systemic disease, and how hygienists contribute to disease prevention and improved patient outcomes in hospitalized populations.
• Identify opportunities for dental hygienists to implement oral health education and preventive strategies within various medical settings.

Expert Speaker: Nicole Gonzales, RDH, MS & Katharine Martinez, MPH, RDH

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Nicole Gonzales, RDH, MS & Katharine Martinez, MPH, RDH

Nicole Gonzales serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dental Medicine at the University of New Mexico (UNM). She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Dental Hygiene, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, all from UNM. In her academic role, she directs courses in Dental Public Health and Research, Extramural Experiences and Dental Radiology.

Beyond the classroom, Nicole is the Dental Hygiene Coordinator at UNM Hospital, where she both practices and supervises dental hygienists working in medical settings. Her professional experience spans years in private practice and more than 13 years at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where she was instrumental in developing an innovative medical-dental integrative program for First Choice Community Healthcare, which continues today.
Nicole’s career is driven by a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes through preventive dental services and ensuring all populations have access to the services they need. She loves serving her community, walking and spending time with her husband and four children.

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Katharine Martinez, MPH, RDH is an oral health educator at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and a national leader in advancing oral health integration within medical settings. She pioneered the creation of an oral health educator role embedded within the multidisciplinary hospital care team an innovative model that has contributed to improved patient treatment outcomes, reduced hospital-acquired infections, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

With nearly seven years of experience in this unique hospital-based role, Katharine collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, infection prevention teams, and quality improvement leaders to elevate oral care as a critical component of overall health. She has consulted with pediatric oncology programs to provide evidence-based oral health guidance for patients undergoing cancer treatment, with a focus on infection prevention, oral mucositis management, and supportive care throughout the treatment continuum.

Katharine is actively mentoring and advising hospitals and health systems nationwide on how to successfully incorporate oral health specialists into clinical workflows, develop sustainable programs, and align oral care initiatives with patient safety and quality metrics. Her work centers on medical–dental integration, workforce innovation, and redefining the role of dental hygienists in hospital and public health environments.