News

Dental practices around the country are overwhelmed with questions regarding the unknown.  Being out of work with bills to pay can certainly be cause for anxiety and concern.  

The love that is showing up in generous acts around the world though is testimony to the power of empathy of our humanity.  Each day when the growing numbers of those who lost their battle against the virus are announced, we shed a tear and grieve for those families.  As you say your prayer each night, remember hospital workers, emergency response teams, truck drivers; and the clerks who keep the shelves stocked as best they can.  Mail carriers, internet technicians and all the others who put their lives on the line each day so we can be cared for, fed and connected. Those prayers and thoughts of gratitude promote hope, faith and love.  

Many of you were counting on the Oregon Dental Conference for obtaining your continuing education credits for the year.  Don’t forget about the continuing education available to you online:  

• American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)

• Dental Assistant National Board (DANB)

• ColgateOralHealthNetwork.com

• Dentalcare.com

• ineedCE.com

to name a few.

Stay strong and hold to the intention that you will receive exactly what you need.  Fuel it with faith and positive thoughts and then let your creativity and action take you towards that goal.  

Blessings to all ~

Linda Kihs, CDA, EFDA, OMSA, MADAA

ODAA President

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, it appears we may experience a higher than normal demand for infection control products such as masks, goggles, and face shields among other items.  

However, this should not cause us to be more lax about how we use a mask or for saving them and using them on multiple patients.  A common misuse of facemasks, is after a procedure, placing it around the neck or under the chin and even taking it off and placing it into a gown pocket with the intention of reusing it again.  This act requires the health care worker to touch the outside of the contaminated mask with either their bare hands or gloves.  Now contaminates on the mask are in contact with the skin on the neck or chin of the dental team member.  Masks should be removed and discarded after each patient by only the ties, bands or loops, along with the exam gloves.  

Beginning with the initial 1978 American Dental Association published document, every series of ADA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention infection control guidelines for dentistry has included recommendations for wearing face masks as  key components of personal protection against airborne pathogens.  The 1991 Occupational Health and Safety Administration Bloodborne Pathogens Standard also included a regulation stating:  “Masks in combination with eye protection devices, with solid side shields or a face shield, shall be worn whenever splashes, spray, spatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated and eye, nose, or mouth contamination can be reasonably anticipated.”

Specific features should be evaluated when selecting a mask:

1. it should not come into contact with the wearer’s nostrils or lips

2. has a high bacterial filtration efficiency rate

3. fits snugly around the entire periphery

4. does not cause fogging of eyewear

5. is made of a fabric that does not irritate skin or induce an allergic reaction

6. is comprised of a material that does not collapse when worn or when wet

7. is easy to put on and remove

Wet masks should be changed every 20 minutes when challenged during procedures that generate heavy levels of spatter and aerosols, after 60 minutes in non-aerosol environments and certainly after each patient.  Keep in mind, no mask can filter out 100% of all aerosolized particles.

The American Society of Testing and Materials is the organization responsible for establishing criteria and testing methods to delineate performance specifications for face masks used in healthcare.  Masks are generally classified into 3 types:

• Level 1 masks are designed for procedures with low amounts of blood, fluid, spray and/or aerosol exposure.  Common clinical examples include patient exams, operatory cleaning, impressions, lab trimming and orthodontic work.

• Level 2 masks are ideal for procedures where moderate to light amounts of fluid, spray and/or aerosols are produced.  Restoratives, prophylaxis, sealants, limited oral surgery and endodontic treatment.  

• Level 3 masks are designed for procedures with moderate to heavy amounts of blood, fluid, spray and/or aerosol exposure.  High barrier protection is needed for procedures such as implant placement, crown preparation, and periodontal or complex oral surgery.

So lets all be safe – not sorry.

References:

• Defend blog

• Oral Health Group

• Dental Economics

• Dentistry IQ

Photo is compliments of Karlene Gander    A fallen leaf is summer's wave goodbye.............    Fall is officially here.  The falling leaves are turning brilliant shades of red, orange, brown, gold and yellow.  Farmers markets are selling pumpkins and gourds and coffee shops selling spiced coffee and pumpkin donuts.  The days and nights are cooling and daylight hours start to shorten.   As Thanksgiving approaches, give thought to all we have to be thankful for.  Our health, loving families, close friends and .....ohhh so much more.   ODAA's Fall Business Meeting and our next years Planning Session has been completed as well as the first of the normal Executive Board meetings.  We have added two new members to our Board and a complete listing of officers and committee chairs can be found on our website:  oregondentalassistantsassociation@gmail.com.   My thanks to the entire Executive Board for their tireless efforts, time, ideas and assistance in all they do to help our association in all we do to serve fellow dental assistants and dentistry as a whole.                                                     Happy Thanksgiving and blessings to all ~                                                    Linda Kihs, CDA, EFDA, OMSA, MADA                                                  ODAA President

NOMINATIONS ARE IN ORDER               Are you interested in serving as an ODAA officer or on a committee?  If so, your name must be submitted to the ODAA Nominating Committee by September 15, 2019.  Secure a nominating form from the committee chairman, Bonnie Marshall, 503-209-8450 or mgrammabuns@aol.com.               The offices of President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer are open for nominations as well as specific Chairs.   Only an active or life member of this association shall be eligible to serve.  A complete list of duties for each office and chair can be found in our Bylaws and Policy Statements on the website.                All nominees must be eligible for the position nominated and meet all qualifications for that position.  The nominee must be willing to serve and fulfill the position nominated as well as the time commitment required.                Annual reports from this past years officers and committee chairs are available upon request.

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.