9:00 AM: Are all white patches Cancer? - 1 CE
Dr. Nagamani Narayana

Discuss different types of white patches including etiology and treatment.

Bio: Dr. Narayana a professor in Oral pathology and Oral Medicine at UNMC, College of Dentistry. In addition to her training in India, Nagamani is dually trained in Oral Medicine and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology from UMKC, School of Dentistry, Kansas City and New York Hospital, Queens. She obtained her DMD from Temple University School of Dentistry. She is a diplomate of American Academy of Oral Medicine and American Academy of Oral Pathology. Presently Nagamani teaches Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine at the school; in addition she sees patients in the University Dental Associates and is the director of the oral biopsy service of the UNMC College of Dentistry. She is a member of American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Oral Medicine, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, NDA and ADA. She is a past president of American Board of Oral Medicine. She is active in providing continuing education programs locally, nationally and internationally.

10:00 AM: What Happens in Vagus Doesn’t Stay in Vagus: The Truths and Myths of 10th Cranial Nerve - 2 CE’s
Xuan-Thu Failing

Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Anatomy and Function of the 10th Cranial Nerve:

  • Identify the anatomical structures of the vagus nerve and describe its role within the parasympathetic nervous system

  • Explain the physiological functions regulated by the vagus nerve, including heart rate, digestion, and immune response.

• Analyze the Role of the Vagus Nerve in Trauma and Stress Responses:

  • Discuss how the vagus nerve modulates the body’s response to trauma and chronic stress.

  • Explore the connection between vagal tone and psychological conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and systemic diseases.

• Evaluate Neurobiological Mechanisms Underlying Trauma:

  • Examine the neurobiological processes influenced by the vagus nerve during stress and trauma.

  • Analyze how these processes contribute to the development and maintenance of trauma-related disorders.

• Critically Assess the Latest Research on Treatment Approaches:

  • Review current research on vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and its effectiveness in treating trauma-related conditions.

  • Investigate emerging therapies based on polyvagal theory and their applications.

• Apply Knowledge of Vagus Nerve-Based Treatments:

  • Demonstrate the ability to incorporate vagus nerve-based interventions into treatment plans for individuals with trauma and stress-related disorders.

  • Evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of these interventions in clinical practice.

• Synthesize Course Concepts with Practical Applications:

  • Develop practical strategies for enhancing vagal tone to promote recovery and resilience in affected individuals.

BIO: Xuan-Thu wears numerous hats, thriving as an orofacial myofunctional therapist, certified NLPand RTT cognitive health coach, and inspirational speaker. She’s the driving force behind Breathe Wellness Boutique and embodies the very lessons she imparts. In her role as a certified cognitive health coach, Xuan-Thu guides clients on transformative wellness journeys, fostering conscious awareness to break automatic negative thought patterns, chronic pain cycles, and rapid transformational therapy. With a focus on neuroplasticity and cellular DNA regeneration, she addresses generational traumas, stress, and systemic diseases, integrating various modalities with comprehensive care for her clients. As an orofacial myofunctional therapist, Xuan-Thu specializes in correcting sleep-disordered breathing, meticulously assessing breath, tongue posture, and swallow functions to optimize exclusive nasal breathing and overall facial muscle tone. As an engaging inspirational speaker, she shares insights on orofacial myology, breathing’s impact on systemic health, polyvagal theory, and more, captivating audiences with authenticity, humor, and evidence-based research. Xuan-Thu’s proactive approach across these disciplines positively transforms lives, fueled by her genuine passion for healing and heartfelt connections. When not enriching lives professionally, she can be found pursuing outdoor adventures, savoring new experiences, and embracing each moment with intentional living and abundant joy.

12:00 PM: NDHA Membership Meeting and Lunch Break - AGENDA

1:00 PM: Lip Fillers Gone Wrong - 1 CE
Andreina Sucre

The rising popularity of lip fillers necessitates a deeper understanding for dental professionals, who often encounter patients with these aesthetic enhancements. This continuing education course equips dentists and hygienists with the knowledge and skills to manage lip filler patients effectively.

This lecture will demystify lip fillers while diving deep into common types like hyaluronic acid-based fillers, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and permanent silicone options. Through thoroughly exploring their unique chemical compositions, mechanisms of action, and distinguishing characteristics—such as duration of effect and potential reversibility—participants will emerge equipped to recognize both short and long-term effects, anticipating and effectively managing any arising situations. Additionally, the learners will learn to identify inflammatory reactions, understand their mechanisms, and be prepared to manage tissue trauma scenarios while equipped with strategies for minimizing disruption and promoting healing.

By participating in this course, the learner will gain the knowledge and skills to navigate the growing prevalence of lip fillers confidently, with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved, while ensuring optimal oral health outcomes, solidifying our role as a trusted advisor in the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetic enhancements.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define the common types of lip fillers based on their chemical composition and duration.
2. Compare lip fillers’ mechanisms of action and potential short-term effects, including injection-related complications, inflammatory reactions, and tissue trauma.
3. Determine the long-term implications of lip fillers on oral health, considering potential risks like infection, tissue integrity concerns, and migration issues.
4. List different strategies for adaptation of dental procedures to accommodate lip fillers.
5. Plan appropriate management measures for potential filler-related complications encountered in the dental setting, including referrals when necessary.

BIO: Andreina Sucre, CRDH, is a seasoned dental professional with a diverse skill set encompassing dentistry, oral pathology, oral surgery, and dental hygiene. Based in South Florida, she is a practitioner, educator, speaker, and advocate for early pathological detection. She inspires her colleagues through enlightening lectures, emphasizing the significance of early detection of oral cancer and providing a practical, hands-on perspective on oral pathology.

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Andreina obtained her dental degree from Universidad Santa Maria in 2002. In December 2005, she furthered her expertise by earning a certificate and specialization in Oral Pathology and Oral Surgery from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, School of Dentistry in Bogota, Colombia.

Subsequently, she ran a successful private practice in Venezuela until 2016, when she relocated to the United States with her family. In 2022, she obtained her dental hygiene license in Florida, expanding her scope of practice. Andreina is recognized for her contributions as a writer, covering topics such as the influence of stress on periodontal disease and the preservation of Salivary IgA (S-IgA) using protease inhibitors. Additionally, she holds a fellowship in Dental Implants and Endodontics, reflecting her commitment to advancing her skills.

With over two decades of experience in dentistry, Andreina is dedicated to educating her colleagues on various aspects of pathology, effective patient communication, and fostering a culture of kindness within the profession. Her passion for early dental education and preventive care is evident through her speaking engagements at prominent events such as RDH Under One Roof (2023, 2024) and the upcoming ADHA conference in July 2024. She is also a prolific author, contributing oral pathology articles for RDH Magazine and E-Village.

In her leisure time, Andreina volunteers her expertise to educate non-native English-speaking children on oral health in public schools. She actively participates in community initiatives and volunteers for dental outreach programs, demonstrating her commitment to improving oral healthcare access and awareness beyond clinical settings.

2:00 PM: Enduring Smiles to Endearing Smiles - 1 CE
Darlene Carritt

This presentation will inform and equip dental hygienists to provide public health outreach to community groups , individuals and caregivers for Vulnerable Adults.  There will be a review of Oral Health Educational Resources designed specifically for:

1.  The Independent Aged Adult
2.  Long Term Care (LTC) and Assisted Living Adults and Caregivers.
3.  Intellectual and Developmental Disabled (IDD) Adults and their Caregivers.

BIO: Darlene has practiced clinical dental hygiene for 46 years, still treating patients ½ day a week.  She continues to serve CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Service,Inc.) as a Dental Hygiene Examiner and Nominations Committee Member, and recently retired from teaching 38 years at the UNMC College of Dentistry Department of Dental Hygiene. 

3:00 PM: Nebraska Oral Health Status & VETMOM 2024 - 1 CE
Dr. Charles Craft

This presentation will explain the results of the 2022 NE Oral Health Survey and 2022 Public Health Hygienist Service Report. It will show the impact the Nebraska Teeth Forever program and community dental disease prevention teams are having across the state. It will also describe the upcoming 2024 Veterans Mission of Mercy Event.

Bio: Dr. Craft graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry in 1980 and immediately joined the U.S. Public Health Service as a Commissioned Officer assigned to the Indian Health Service in Alaska. For 20 years he served Native American patients in village clinics, regional centers and base hospitals throughout the state and he was promoted to the rank of 0-6 Captain.

 In 2000, he moved to Southeast Asia where he was the Chief Dental Officer for the International SOS Medical Company and the Dental Consultant for the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Continuing his service as a Reserve Officer, he was directly detailed to the Department of Defense for more than 30 stability operations and humanitarian assistance medical missions in over 15 foreign counties as part of the Global War on Terror. He served with all branches of the military and deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom with the U.S. Army Special Operations Task Force to the southern Philippines in 2007 and the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division to southern Afghanistan in 2008. 

He is the founder of the East meets West Dental Program in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1995. Over the past 25 years, this international humanitarian relief organization has provided free and modern dental care services to more than 175,000 underserved children living in the post war central provinces and impoverished rural hamlets while also working with more than 1,500 dental volunteers and students from countries around the world.

Dr. Craft has received numerous professional awards during his transpacfic career including the Outstanding Service Medal from the U.S. Surgeon General, the Meritorious Service Medal from the Department of Defense and the Royal Sahametri Knight Medal from the Prime Minister of Cambodia. He is the recipient of the UNMC College of Dentistry Alumni Distinguished Service Award and was honored with the American Dental Association’s Humanitarian Award in 2019.  He joined the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and became the State Dental Health Director in April 2014.