1 CE | LIVE on August 7th at 11 AM CT | CE Storage
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25+ CEs available immediately on-demand PLUS 2 new live CEs each month
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 roles and responsibilities of dental hygiene educators across academic, clinical, and community-based settings.
- Recognize the existing clinical skills, professional strengths, and practice experiences that clinical dental hygienists already possess and can transfer to effective roles as educators.
- Explain the impact of dental hygiene educators on student development, workforce advancement, and the future of the dental hygiene profession.
- Outline actionable steps, including education, mentorship, and professional involvement, to transition from clinical practice into dental hygiene education.