News

I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the graduating dental assistant students and instructors at Chemeketa Community College for inviting me to attend their year end good/bye party.  I was deeply honored and it was a privilege to share with them the benefits of retaining their American Dental Assistants Association/Oregon Dental Assistants Association membership as well as the importance of Dental Assistant National Board Certification.   A buffet brunch was served and dental related games were played.  The ODAA donated a dental related watch as a drawing.  Monica Luna was the recipient as shown here accepting the gift.   Carissa Reeder accepted the distinguished Chemeketa Dental Assisting Student Achievement Award.  She is pictured here with one of her instructors, Lynn George, and by the display case where the names of past honored students hang in commemoration.  Congratulations to all dental assistant students.  You have accomplished a great deal this past year and your achievement is complimented.  Best wishes to each of you for a bright and happy future.                                                             Most sincerely,                                                           Linda Kihs, CDA, EFDA, OMSA,   MADAA                                                         ODAA President

SSG Kym Gooddell (previously an ODAA officer) with husband John.

Memorial Day, what does it mean to you?  For me, it meant carrying on the time honored tradition of my family.  My grandparents served, my great uncle served, and many of the men that meant something in my life served.  So why not a woman.  I was strong and proud and a great dental assistant.  I could do both! But let me back up. When I first went in, I was not a dental assistant, I was a patient administration specialist.  It was a good job, but it wasn't for me.  So, it really didn't bother me when, during the Clinton administration the downsizing came and I was discharged.  Yes, I am old. So, I struggled for a few years to find myself and figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I went to college at Linn Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon under the best instructors in the world and became an E.F.D.A. certified dental assistant.  Then I re-enlisted in the Oregon National Guard.  I am now a senior enlisted dental sergeant and looking for more dental technician to join my team.  The army needs dental technicians. This is my way of thanking my grandparents, my uncle and my friends for their sacrifices.  I continue on with the mission.  Most made it back home, some did not.  But my job is to carry on and help do my part for my country.  I ask no questions, I go where I must for my other Soldiers.  I am here to help them. So during this Memorial Day, think of all the Soldiers you could be taking care of right now.  Think about all the Soldiers you know and who is taking care of them.  God bless and God speed.   SSG Kym Goodell Oregon Medical Command Oregon National Guard

April 2019 Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship   It is with great pleasure we announce the first annual recipient of the Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship. Clackamas Community College Dental Assisting Student, Brigida Reinhart, has received a $500.00 scholarship from the fund established last year after the unfortunate passing of Cindy in August. Brigida is a dedicated, determined woman who “…thrives on making people happy…”. She worked as a grade school teacher for 3 years prior to her decision to change career paths.  She exudes kindness and a caring attitude that will definitely benefit her future dental patients and the practice in which she is ultimately employed. Brigida, her husband, 2-year old son, mother and aunt accompanied her to the private ceremony in which she was presented the $500.00 check to be used for her dental assisting education. Brigida brought each one of the scholarship committee members a gift of Forget Me Not flower seeds, soil and a small tooth planter. Cindy’s daughters shared with us this was one of their mothers favorites. It was quickly apparent that Brigida is exactly the type of person and student who Cindy would have approved for this scholarship. It was mentioned by Cindy’s daughters at the ceremony, that Cindy was able to attend a dental assisting program due to a scholarship she received herself. The Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship Committee includes Cindy’s daughters, Shannon Gonzalez and Melissa Watson, colleague and friends, Ginny Jorgensen, Mary Harrison and Stacy Bone. The following website has been established. Cindyphillipsmemorial.com Donations can be made by the click of the “donate” button and are greatly appreciated. Applications are available for the 2020 scholarship. Thank you.

You undoubtedly noticed, if you attended the Oregon Dental Conference, that there were some renovation going on and there were definitely some changes this year compared to previous years.  Thus the theme: "Under Construction".   In spite of the enhancement project the conference was well attended.  Excellent courses and enjoyed by all.    Enjoying the conference were students from Chemeketa Community College

Who was St. Valentine?
 
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.  One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.  When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men were better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.  Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.  When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.  Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured.  According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting  himself, after he fell in love with a young girl-possibly his jailer's daughter who visited him during his confinement.  Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.  Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly romantic figure.  By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become on of the most popular saints in England and France.


February is also American Heart Month.
 
According to the MMWR, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, and someone in the United States has a heart attack every 40 seconds.
 
February is American Heart Month, an ideal time to remind all adults to focus on their heart and encourage them, their families, friends and communities to learn the important signs and symptoms of a heart attack and how to respond.  Recognizing that someone might be having a heart attack is crucial for optimizing access to lifesaving emergency cardiac care.
 
Five common symptoms of a heart attack are:

1. Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
2. Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint
3. Chest pain or discomfort
4. Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
5. Shortness of breath

 
If someone is suspected to be having a heart attack 9-1-1 should be called immediately.
 
MMWR reports the percentage of persons who are aware of all five heart attack symptoms increased from 39.6% in 2008 to 50.2% in 2017.

I’m sure you all do an excellent job instructing your patients on the importance of good oral hygiene but don’t forget to mention how that plaque and calculus can be detrimental to their heart. 

JANUARY 2023

PATIENT CARE & SAFETY ARE AT RISK

The Oregon Dental Assistants Association is aware that there is a shortage of qualified dental assistants in Oregon.  The shortage is not going to change if the rules and standards set forth by the Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD), Division 42 Dental Assisting, are eliminated.

"The shortage is not going to change if the rules and standards set forth... are eliminated." Eliminating the rules or standards will allow unqualified people to provide dental care.

"The shortage is not going to change if the rules and standards set forth... are eliminated." Eliminating the rules or standards will allow unqualified people to provide dental care.

The standards in Division 42 were approved by the Board of Dentistry and dental professionals, serving the field of dentistry by providing safe and quality patient care for over 50 years.  Providing standards for Dental Assistants, OBD is promoting oral health and protecting all patients in the field of dentistry as well as promoting the Oregon Radiation Protection Service Agency, ODAA and OBD Mission Statements.

 

The world has just gone through three years of uncertainty for dental offices, dental professional and health care facilities. As the world becomes more stable, we as dental professionals need to assure our patients that dentistry will provide quality care in a safe environment.  Taking away rules and standards will not make a difference in the shortage of dental assistants. Eliminating the rules or standards will allow unqualified people to provide dental care. As dental professionals we owe it to our patients to provide quality care safely.

X-rays in a dental office are being performed by a qualified dental assistant under General Supervision.  “General Supervision means that a supervising dentist has examined and diagnosed the patient and provided subsequent instructions to be performed by the assistive personnel but does not require that the dentist be physically present in the treatment facility.”  Patients understand that they can trust the person that is exposing their radiographs and that that person has the proper qualifications to do so without harm.  Division 42 rules provide the proper direction for dental assistants to prove that they are qualified to successfully perform tasks where patients could otherwise be harmed by improper treatment.  Division 42 requirements for dental assistants provide clarification on what can be done by qualified dental assistants to perform tasks on patients safely.

The Radiology Health and Safety Exam is the foundation for the dental assisting rules in Division 42 and the safety of patients.

The following certificates require that a dental assistant hold a Certification of Radiologic Proficiency (OAR 818-042-0060), complete a course of instruction approved by the Oregon Board of Dentistry, successfully pass an exam, and successfully prove competency by completing tasks clinically:

1. EFDA
2. EFODA
3. Sealants
4. Soft Reline
5. Place retraction Material sub gingivally
6. Restorative

The Oregon Dental Assistants Association wants to thank OBD for recognizing the need for Chapter 818, Division 42, 818-042-0050, Rule 813-042-0050: Taking of X-rays- Exposing of Radiographic Images, as a way of promoting safety for all dental patients.

However, a few Oregon Dentists have placed House Bill 2996 for consideration and if the Bill passes it will eliminate the required Radiology Exam, therefore jeopardizing patient quality of care and safety.

Removal of the Radiology Health and Safety Exam will jeopardize patient quality of care and safety.

The ODAA does not think that changing or eliminating any of the rules set forth in Division 42 will solve the shortage concerns.  If the rules are eliminated, it will likely increase the shortage and allow unqualified dental assistants to perform tasks on patients.

The real shortage started due to COVID-19 and has continued to increase with the lack of support for retention and education as well as not providing a living wage for Dental Assistants.

ODAA Opposes Oregon House Bill 2996!

The OBD will be having a hearing soon to address this topic and I want to encourage you to come and speak out against the removal of the Radiology Health and Safety Exam. Please take the time to read House Bill 2996 and write to your representative in Salem to repeal the bill.

Professional Dental Assistants are an important part of the dental team who encourage and embrace standards and education in order to provide quality safe patient care for their patients.  

Sincerely,

Bonnie Marshall, RDA, CDA, EFDA, EFODA, MADAA, BS

ODAA President 

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

From the Executive Board of the Oregon Dental Assistants Association.

A special greeting of Thanksgiving.
Time to express to you our sincere appreciation
for your confidence and loyalty.
We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes
for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day.

 
ODAA Executive Board

IN MEMORY
 
Cindy Phillips spent her life supporting her family, friends, the dentists she worked for and the patients she cared for. She continuously dedicated herself to the task at hand; dental assisting,teaching and training dental professionals to be the best they could be.

Cindy was diagnosed with cancer in October 2016.  She bravely endured many rounds of treatment to live beyond the initial prediction of less than one year.

Cindy found gratification in making sure that every detail was addressed and that every student was given the opportunity to learn, even if it meant providing additional time outside the classroom. She was tough but kind and supportive to all. Many students were successful because of Cindy and her ability to help students understand difficult concepts. She was relentless in her dedication to making sure that all the students received the education they deserved.

Cindy spent many years of her life facing the challenges of being a dental assistant. She wanted more for the profession and especially those students who were committed to working hard. Dental assisting is a unique profession where one has the opportunity to provide support to the dentist and the dental patient but it requires a strong work ethic, something Cindy spoke of often and instilled in the students she taught.

Her family asks for donations in memory of Cindy to the Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund Business Account at any branch of On Point Credit Union.  The Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship is meant to provide financial assistance to a student who aspires to become a professional dental assistant and has the qualities that Cindy demonstrated throughout her career; dedicated, committed, supportive, hard-working, kind,respectful and a rule follower.

If you think you fit this description and are wanting to become a dental assistant in the State of Oregon, please complete the attached application to be considered by the Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship Selection Committee.


Applications must be type-written and post marked no later than February 15, 2019.
Cindy Phillips Memorial Dental Assisting Scholarship.

 
Purpose
The Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Cindy Phillips, CDA, EFDA, AAS, a career dental assistant who was a dedicated health care provider, mentor and teacher. This scholarship honors Cindy and her commitment to dental assisting education and to students who believe in working hard to become a dental assistant; a career to be proud of.
 
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who is currently enrolled in a dental assisting program and is in “good standing” or has been accepted into a dental assisting program approved by the Cindy Phillips Memorial Dental Assisting Scholarship Committee.
 
Application Criteria
To be considered for the Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:
• Be a high school graduate or hold a GED Certificate.
• Complete the scholarship application.
• Complete an in-person interview with the Scholarship Committee.
• Provide confirmation from an employer of at least 1 year of full-time (at least 35 hours per week) work experience within the past 5 years.
 
Applicant Submissions
Applicants must submit the following materials:
 1. Letter of Purpose and Intent
2. Completed and signed application and scholarship agreement
3. Two letters of recommendation from educator, employer, colleague, etc.
4. Dental Office observation confirmation letter with dentist signature (=>8 hours)
 
Selected Applicant
Once the applicant is selected, they must:
• Provide the name and contact information of the dental assisting program they are currently enrolled in or plan to apply for.
 
Award Selection and Amount
Once the applicant is selected the funds will be applied toward the approved Dental Assisting Program tuition and fees. The amount of this scholarship will be $500 to $1000.00.
 
All application materials must be submitted in one email (either as one PDF attachment or as multiple attachments to one email). The application, letter of purpose and intent and letters of recommendation must be typed. Handwritten materials will not be accepted other than the signature if you are unable to sign electronically. Incomplete applications (missing one or more of the application items) will not be considered. All scholarship materials must be submitted by February 15, 2019 to :smithandjorgensen@gmail.com with the subject line titled, Cindy Phillips Memorial Scholarship.
 

Cindy Phillips Memorial Dental Assisting Scholarship
Personal Data
Name_______________________________________________________
`               (last) (First) (Middle)
Address
______________________________________________________________
                 (Street/PO Box/Suite)
Address
___________________________________________________________
                 (City) (State) (Zip code)
Email address_________________________ Cell phone (      )____________

Scholarship Agreement
If awarded the Cindy Phillips Memorial Dental Assisting Scholarship I understand and agree the funds are to be applied toward dental assisting education and fees.
Signature X____________________________Date X_________

Cindy Phillips Memorial Dental Assisting Scholarship
Letter of Purpose and Intent
Your letter of purpose and intent should describe your interest in becoming a dental assistant and why you believe this is a good career choice for you. (250 to 1000 type-written words)