Author: mdha

MDHA Action Alert – IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED

Posted on by mdha

The Massachusetts State Legislature just began the start of its new two-year session. MDHA is prioritizing four pieces of legislation for the 2023-2024 session:

  1. An Act to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents (HD111/SD747)
  2. An Act relative to the sustainability of public health dental hygienists through adequate reimbursements (HD1127/SD653)
  3. An Act relative to dental hygienists (HD1814/SD1594)
  4. An Act enabling trained dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox(HD3952/SD2062)

We Need Your Help!

We want to ensure that as many Senators and Representatives as possible sign on to these bills as co-sponsors.

Please call or email your State Senator and State Representative TODAY!

You can find out who your state representative is by going to www.wheredoivotema.com, by calling (800) 462-VOTE, or by contacting our government affairs consultant Kate Worrall via email at [email protected].

Emailing your State Senator:

  1. Email your State Representative or State Senator in the Massachusetts legislature (listed on as www.wheredoivotema.com as “State Senate”). Click on the lawmaker’s name and it will take you to a page that has their email listed.
  2. Template Email:

TO: [SENATOR EMAIL]
SUBJECT: Requesting your cosponsorship of important oral healthcare priorities

Dear Senator [LAST NAME],

Thank you for your leadership during these unprecedented and constantly changing times. My name is [FULL NAME] and I live at [YOUR ADDRESS]. I am emailing you today on behalf of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA). As a Registered Dental Hygienist, and your constituent, I am asking you to co-sponsor four pieces of legislation that are important to me and my profession.

  • An Act to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents (SD747). This legislation was refiled this session by Senator Adam Gomez (D-Hampden). This bill would create a mid level oral healthcare provider, a Dental Therapist, to provide much needed dental care to underserved populations.
  • An Act relative to the sustainability of public health dental hygienists through adequate reimbursements (SD653). This legislation was filed by Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester) and enables public health dental hygienists (PHDHs) to bill third-party insurance carriers. PHDHs provide services to individuals in settings such as classrooms, senior centers, and nursing homes and are currently restricted to billing MassHealth for services provided. Many of the individuals seeking services have private insurance, and PHDHs are unable to provide services to these individuals or are forced to provide services at no cost.
  • An Act relative to dental hygienists (SD1594). This bill was filed by Senator Michael Moore (D-Worcester) and requires dental hygienists interested in administering nitrous oxide to undergo BORID specified training and then apply for state licensure. It is time Massachusetts joins the 33 states that allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide.
  • An Act enabling trained dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox (SD2062). This bill was filed by Senator Julian Cyr (D-Cape/Islands) and enables dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox. Dental hygienists already receive a significant amount of training in head and neck anatomy and administer larger injections, and they could safely join dentists and oral surgeons as licensed administrators.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this request and please respond here or at [PHONE NUMBER] with any questions.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Emailing your State Representative:

  1. Email your State Representative in the Massachusetts legislature (listed on as www.wheredoivotema.com as “State Representative”). Click on the lawmaker’s name and it will take you to a page that has their email listed.
  2. Template Email:

TO: [REPRESENTATIVE EMAIL]
SUBJECT: Requesting your cosponsorship of important oral healthcare priorities

Dear Representative [LAST NAME],

Thank you for your leadership during these unprecedented and constantly changing times. My name is [FULL NAME] and I live at [YOUR ADDRESS]. I am emailing you today on behalf of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA). As a Registered Dental Hygienist, and your constituent, I am asking you to co-sponsor four pieces of legislation that are important to me and my profession.

  1. An Act to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents (HD111). This legislation was refiled this session by Representative Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox). This bill would create a mid level oral healthcare provider, a Dental Therapist, to provide much needed dental care to underserved populations.
  2. An Act relative to the sustainability of public health dental hygienists through adequate reimbursements (HD1127). This legislation was filed by Representative Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox) and enables public health dental hygienists (PHDHs) to bill third-party insurance carriers. PHDHs provide services to individuals in settings such as classrooms, senior centers, and nursing homes and are currently restricted to billing MassHealth for services provided. Many of the individuals seeking services have private insurance, and PHDHs are unable to provide services to these individuals or are forced to provide services at no cost.
  3. An Act relative to dental hygienists (HD1814). This bill was filed by Representative Kay Khan (D- Middlesex) and requires dental hygienists interested in administering nitrous oxide to undergo BORID specified training and then apply for state licensure. It is time Massachusetts joins the 33 states that allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide.
  4. An Act enabling trained dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox (HD3952). This bill was filed by Representatives Frank Moran (D-17th Essex) and Manny Cruz (D-7th Essex) and enables dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox. Dental hygienists already receive a significant amount of training in head and neck anatomy and administer larger injections, and they could safely join dentists and oral surgeons as licensed administrators.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this request and please respond here or at [PHONE NUMBER] with any questions.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Calling your State Senator:

  1. Call your State Senator in the Massachusetts legislature (listed on www.wheredoivotema.com as “State Senator”). Please note that most offices are in a hybrid format at this time, so calls may go to voicemail. In this case, follow the same instructions; staff will either listen and take note or call you back with any questions.
  2. What to say: I am calling on behalf of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA). As a Registered Dental Hygienist, and your constituent, I am asking you to sign onto four pieces of legislation that are important to me and my profession.
  1. Please co-sponsor legislation filed by Senator Adam Gomez (Senate Docket 747) that would create a midlevel oral healthcare provider in the Commonwealth who would provide much needed dental care to underserved populations.
  2. Please co-sponsor legislation filed by Senator Robyn Kennedy (Senate Docket 653) that would allow public health dental hygienists to bill third-party insurance carriers. PHDHs go into settings such as classrooms, senior centers, and nursing homes to provide services. Currently, PHDHs are only able to bill MassHealth for services provided, not private carriers. However, many of the individuals seeking services in these settings have private insurance, and thus PHDHs are unable to provide services to these individuals; or, more often, provide services at no cost. Allowing PHDHs to bill for providing these services would ensure that all individuals without adequate access to dental care will be able to be served by PHDHs.
  3. Please co-sponsor Senator Michael Moore’s bill, Senate Docket 1594, which allows Massachusetts to join 33 other states that already allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide.
  4. And finally, please co-sponsor legislation filed by Senator Julian Cyr (Senate Docket 2062) that enables dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox, which are already performed by many dentists.

3. Thank them for their time. If they have any questions, and you are unsure of the answer, simply say you do not know but will call them back. Please contact Amanda Berthiuame at [email protected], or our government affairs consultant Kate Worrall at [email protected] to help you get the answer.

Calling your State Representative:

  1. Call your State Representative in the Massachusetts legislature (listed on www.wheredoivotema.com as “State Representative”). It is also fine to speak with an aide. Ask to speak to an aide who is dealing with bills related to healthcare. Please note that most offices are working in a hybrid format at this time, so calls may go to voicemail. In this case, follow the same instructions; staff will either listen and take note or call you back with any questions.
  2. What to say:

I am calling on behalf of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA). As a Registered Dental Hygienist, and your constituent, I am asking you to sign onto four pieces of legislation that are important to me and my profession.

  • Please co-sponsor two pieces of legislation filed by Representative Smitty Pignatelli (House Docket 111 and House 1127). The first would create a midlevel oral healthcare provider in the Commonwealth who would provide much needed dental care to underserved populations. The second would allow public health dental hygienists to bill third-party insurance carriers. PHDHs go into settings such as classrooms, senior centers, and nursing homes to provide services. Currently, PHDHs are only able to bill MassHealth for services provided, not private carriers. However, many of the individuals seeking services in these settings have private insurance, and thus PHDHs are unable to provide services to these individuals; or, more often, provide services at no cost. Allowing PHDHs to bill for providing these services would ensure that all individuals without adequate access to dental care will be able to be served by PHDHs.
  • Please co-sponsor legislation filed by Representative Kay Khan (House Docket 1814) that would allow Massachusetts to join the 33 other states that already allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide.
  • And finally, please co-sponsor legislation filed by Representatives Frank Moran and Manny Cruz (House Docket 3952) that enables dental hygienists to administer dermal fillers and botox, which are already performed by many dentists.

3. Thank them for their time. If they have any questions, and you are unsure of the answer, simply say you do not know but will call them back. Please contact Amanda Berthiuame at [email protected], or our government affairs consultant Kate Worrall at [email protected] to help you get the answer.

Once you’ve made your calls or sent your emails, please take one more moment to let us know what the response was by contacting our government affairs consultant Kate Worrall at [email protected].

Thank you!

If you have questions about this legislation, or want any additional information on ways we are working to improve the quality of life of dental hygienists in Massachusetts and how we are working to improve access to oral healthcare throughout the state, please contact Amanda Berthiuame at [email protected].

2023 CapeCod MDHA Course – LIVE WEBINAR

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Register for this event – CLICK HERE!

Details:

This Course is a Live Webinar and will be live-streamed

DATE & TIME: Sunday, March 26, 2023 | 8am-12:00pm EST

COST: Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

CEU: 4.0 Credit Hours

REGISTRATION: Click Here to Register with CEZOOM! (Registration opens February 7, 2023)

Overview:

Presidential MDHA Update- Amanda Berthiaume. RDH, CDA,MSDH

Temporomandibular Disorders are a group of conditions, often painful, that affects the Temporomandibular Joint and the muscles of mastication.  It has been estimated by the National Institutes of Health that approximately 10 million people are affected.  As dental team members, many are unaware of the signs, symptoms, and treatments available for these patients.  This course will provide the dental hygienist and dental team members, who may have only the basic knowledge of the TM joint, with a very detailed and informed presentation involving the structure and function of the joint, etiological factors of disease, examination and evaluation methods used, and treatment modalities offered.  The role of the dental hygienist in TMD will also be discussed.  A personal discussion will also be offered. 

Program Goal:

To provide a basic understanding of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders so that dental team members can effectively communicate with patients about these disorders.

Program Objectives:

Upon completion of the course the participant should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a basic review of the anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint
  • Identify the signs and symptoms of TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) that can be recognized in patients
  • Explain the possible etiological factors which contribute to the development of TMD
  • Discuss the various methods of evaluation and treatment of TMD patients
  • Discuss the role of the dental team in TMD in providing comprehensive care for TMD patients

Speaker:

Ann-Marie C. DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd, CDIPC, FADIA, FAADH is a graduate of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts Boston. She is the 2017 Esther Wilkins Distinguished Alumni of Forsyth Award recipient. Ann-Marie has been published in dental and dental hygiene publications and textbooks. Ann-Marie presents continuing education programs for dental team members on a variety of topics. She has been employed as a software trainer, a business/clinical advisor for a national dental practice management company, a faculty member of a dental hygiene program and program chair of a dental assisting program after having been employed in clinical hygiene for a number of years.

Middlesex Component of MDHA Course

Posted on by mdha

Register on CEZoom! Registration opens on 1/30/23.

Details:

DATE & TIME: Sunday April 2, 2023 | 8am-12pm EST

LOCATION: Boston/Woburn Hotel | 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA

COST: Members: $70 | Non-members: $90

CEU: 3.0 Credit Hours

REGISTRATION: Click Here to Register with CEZOOM! Registration opens 1/30/2023

Course:

Don’t Let Good Get in the Way of Best – Achieving the Best for You and Your Patients

Dental practices face patient challenges on a daily basis. From cancellations and no shows to insurance management issues. What distinguishes a practice that wallows in its challenges from one that sees the challenges as opportunities?

Many teams rise above the challenges to provide optimum care for their patients. This program will delve into opportunities for growth for patients and teams while providing comprehensive oral care during challenging moments.

After the presentation, the attendees will be able to:

  • Examine the role leadership and communication play within dentistry
  • Identify the responsibilities of healthcare professionals
  • Review current treatment modalities to improve quality of patient care

Speaker:

Ann-Marie C. DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd, CDIPC, FADIA, FAADH is a graduate of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts Boston. She is the 2017 Esther Wilkins Distinguished Alumni of Forsyth Award recipient.  Ann-Marie has been published in dental and dental hygiene publications and textbooks.

Ann-Marie presents continuing education programs for dental team members on a variety of topics. She has been employed as a software trainer, a business/clinical advisor for a national dental practice management company, a faculty member of a dental hygiene program and program chair of a dental assisting program after having been employed in clinical hygiene for a number of years.

Register on CEZoom! Registration opens on 1/30/23.

Southeastern Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Seminar 2023

Posted on by mdha

Sunday, April 30, 2023: 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM ET

Details:

COST: $90 ADHA members | $110 non-members

CEU: 7.0 Credit Hours

REGISTRATION OPENS: 01/14/2023: Click Here to Register with CEZOOM!

Event Overview:

AAP Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases The Systemic Connection and Patient Prognosis: Marianne Dryer, MEd, BS, RDH – | Sponsored by Premier & Dentsply Sirona | The updated American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Classification System represents a multidimensional staging and grading framework for periodontitis, gingivitis 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. The systemic connection as it relates to the grading portion of the classification system will be examined with a focus on diabetes, heart disease and GI conditions and their relationship to oral health/periodontal disease. A hallmark feature of the updated system will bring opportunities for more case specific patient care and prognosis. The need for calibration and clinician alignment with the new classification system will be discussed along with narrative examples for documentation and homecare recommendations.

Learning objectives:                     

  1. Examine the historical timeline and evolution of the AAP Classification System. 
  2. Incorporate the staging and grading system for Periodontal Disease and Gingival conditions into clinical practice. 
  3. Identify patients who may benefit from adjunctive strategies of disease management and overall health surveillance based on the appropriate clinical recommendations. 
  4. Discuss the correlation and grading considerations for patients who have  systemic conditions affecting their prognosis. 

Dealing with Difficult People: Strategies for Managing, Patients, Co-workers, Bosses – Sue Scherer RDH,BS | Sponsored by Waterpik | Do you have a patient that you feel you can never please? A coworker/employee who always seems to have an attitude? Or a boss who pressures and challenges you at every turn? You are not alone. Everyone has had to face the challenge of dealing with a difficult person. This course will help you develop effective strategies to help you feel more confident and empowered to take control, manage the situation, and have a more enjoyable work life.

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand the benefits of responding vs reacting • Identify strategies to maintain poise and self-control 
  2. Discover the role of presence in developing confidence and personal empowerment 
  3. Discuss learning ways to say no for greater patient influence
  4.  Explain workplace rights 

Red, White, and Blue Lesions of the Oral Cavity– Dr. Mark Lerman |  The numerous oral mucosal diseases can be difficult to identify for even experienced clinicians. This three-part session is designed to aid providers in the diagnosis and management of oral pathology with an emphasis on formulating differential diagnoses based on coloration. Red lesions, white lesions, and variously-colored pigmented lesions will be discussed with a focus on distinguishing benign from malignant pathology and on approaches to treatment.

In this session, the participant will learn:

  1. To describe the etiology of various inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic oral diseases
  2. To recognize clinical presentations for oral pathologic conditions presenting as red, white, or pigmented lesions 
  3. To formulate a differential for oral mucosal lesions based on coloration 
  4. To execute appropriate management strategies for oral mucosal lesions.

“Why do I care if my patient is transgender?” Culturally Sensitive Care for Transgender Patients – Tammy Marshall-Paquin, MSDH, RDH |  In the U.S. and Canada, there are an estimated 1.7 million individuals over the age of 13 who identify as transgender. While more oral health professionals report seeing patients who are transgender, there is a lack of knowledge on providing care to this population. In medicine, low knowledge about transgender individuals has been linked to higher levels of stigma, discrimination, verbal harassment and even physical violence. This course will increase knowledge by defining key words used in transgender health. In addition, it will examine the disparities and determinants experienced by this population which may have oral complications and implications. This course will examine and discuss cultural competency, awareness, sensitivity, and humility and their role in patient-centered care. Finally, this course will identify ways providers can create a more welcoming, safe, and culturally sensitive dental home for their transgender patients.

After this course you will be able to: 

  1. Define key words and concepts commonly used in transgender healthcare 
  2. Understand potential oral complications associated with medical transitioning -Identify disparities in this population and the associated oral implications
  3. Define the terms cultural competency, awareness, sensitivity, and humility and how they play a role in creating a patient-centered, safe and welcoming dental home for all patients.

*Reminder: For the second year in a row we will be collecting full-size personal care products to donate to the non-profit, Hope&Comfort. Thank you!

Stay up to date with seminar details on Facebook @SoutheasternMassComponent

Speakers:

Marianne Dryer MEd, BS, RDH  Dryer is one of dental industry’s most outspoken educators on subjects of periodontal instrumentation and a champion of early and advanced introduction to ultrasonic instrumentation into dental hygiene curriculums. Her dynamic presentations, articulate academic instruction, and insightful curriculum development consultation are founded on more than 30 years of oral health experience. As such, Marianne is sought after nationally and internationally for her presentations on ultrasonic technique, risk assessment, infection prevention and radiology technique. Marianne is currently the Program Director at Cape Cod Community College and also provides faculty in service programs on the 2018 AAP Classification Updates. 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. https://mariannedryer.com/

Sue Scherer, RDH, BS – Sponsored by Waterpik Education & Professional Relations Manager, Water Pik Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Church & Dwight, Inc. Sue has a bachelor’s in dental hygiene from Wichita State University. She has been a dental hygienist for nearly 20 years. She has experience as a chairside clinician, dental hygiene program instructor, CE speaker and author. She is an active volunteer with the New Jersey Dental Hygienists Association currently serving as their Vice President and the 2017 Cheryl Westphal Scholarship recipient. Sue lives in Mahwah, NJ with her husband and 2 sons.

Mark Lerman, DMD – Chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He divides his time between teaching, clinical practice, and diagnostic histopathology at Tufts Oral Pathology Services, the school’s biopsy service. Dr. Lerman earned both his B.A. in history and D.M.D. from Tufts University. After completing a general practice residency in dentistry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, he trained in oral and maxillofacial pathology at New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens in New York City. He was on the faculty for eight years at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine before returning to his alma mater in 2014. A Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dr. Lerman has authored multiple articles in the peer-reviewed oral pathology literature.

Tammy Marshall-Paquin, MSDH, RDH – has been in dentistry for over 35 years, 32 of which she enjoyed as a clinical hygienist. Her passion for this profession began when she was a dental assistant helping people love their smiles again. Her focus in cultural competency and addressing disparities in care, especially for the LGBTQ+ population, came from developing deep friendships with members of this community and from research during her master’s degree. In addition to clinical hygiene with extensive experience in pediatrics, periodontal therapy, and complex case management, Tammy has served as an OSHA, HIPAA, and Infection Control Compliance Officer, clinical/office manager and is currently adjunct clinical faculty at Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS University, where she also earned her Master’s in Dental Hygiene with a focus on education.

Amanda Berthiaume, RDH, CDA, MSDH – Graduated in 2015 from Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and in 2020 from Forsyth at MCPHS University with her Master’s Degree in dental hygiene education. An active ADHA member since 2013, she is proud to serve as the president of the MassDHA. She works clinically for Wilbraham Dental Associates and as adjunct faculty in the STCC dental sciences program.

Click Here to Register Today with CEZOOM!

Massachusetts Public Health Dental Hygiene Seminar (PHDH) – March 19, 2023

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This course meets the four hour requirement to become a Public Health Dental Hygienist in the State of Massachusetts.

**Must have 3 years or 4500 hours working experience as a hygienist to work as a PHDH **

Details:

COURSE TITLE: Massachusetts Public Health Hygiene Seminar

COURSE DATE: Sunday March 19, 2023 8am-12pm

COST: $100 ADHA members | $185 non-members

CEU: 4.0 Credit Hours

REGISTRATION OPENS: 01/13/2023: Click Here to Register with CEZOOM!

Speaker:

Melissa Leite CDA, RDH, BS
Melissa Leite graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at Bristol Community College with an Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Vermont Technical College. She serves as a member on the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association public health council and is a Mentor Liaison for Bristol Community College.

In 2013, Melissa started as an adjunct clinical faculty at Cape Cod Community College where she teaches Clinical Dental Hygiene I and II, and Dental Materials laboratory. She also has over 12 years of clinical experience. In addition, she has 10 years of public health experience, including co-owning her own public health dental hygiene business. She is dedicated, passionate and excited to present the Massachusetts Public Health Dental Hygiene course to you!

Objectives:

  • Identify signs and symptoms of medical emergencies that can occur in a public health setting.
  • Discuss how to manage medical emergencies.
  • Discuss the rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Public Health Dental Hygienist.
  • Understand risk management including liability insurance, data security, written informed consent, record keeping and HIPAA.
  • Discuss CDC and OSHA guidelines including PPE, exposure prevention, post-exposure management, and sterilization.
  • Discuss the interim infection prevention and control guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.


CLICK HERE to Register for this Live-Streamed Webinar. Registration opens 01/13/2023