Dental Hygiene Winter Weekend

Session 4: “WHEN, WHERE & WHY? The Dental Hygienists Guide to Combining Hand Scaling, Air Polishing and Ultrasonic Procedures”

Saturday, February 28, 2026

9 AM-12 PM EST

Dental hygienists dedicated to clinical practice spend the majority of patient treatment time battling biofilm, calculus, and stain. While ultrasonic technology, subgingival air polishing, and hand instruments each have their claims for effectively disrupting and removing hard and soft deposits, the key question remains:  when, where and why should each method be used? This session separates science from clever marketing and explores advantages and limitations of each procedure, inspiring the critical thinking needed to develop individualized debridement strategies for each patient’s unique needs. The session will feature live audience polling and clinical demonstrations to reinforce key takeaways and support practical application.

Objectives:

1. Examine current research on ultrasonics, supra/subgingival air polishing, and hand instrumentation to determine their respective roles in preventing and treating periodontal disease.
2. Apply evidence-based decision making to select and sequence debridement instruments, magnetostrictive and piezoelectric technologies, and powder formulations to achieve patient-specific clinical results and maximize comfort.
3. Design or enhance biofilm therapy protocols that strengthen overall treatment efficiency, streamline appointment flow and promote professional growth and satisfaction within the dental hygiene team.

Presenter: Dani Botbyl, RDH

Dani Botbyl is an educator, author, and award-winning researcher and who been a trailblazer for the advancement of ultrasonic technology in dental hygiene practice and education in North America and abroad. The culmination of her knowledge and research has produced multiple publications in industry and peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Dani has presented hundreds of courses to students, faculty and practicing clinicians nationally and internationally. Her passion for enhancing the expertise of dental hygienists creates learning experiences that are not to be missed!

Session 6: "Weed Will…Weed Will…Rock You! The Fall and Rise of Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Terpenes and Their Dental Considerations”

Sunday, March 1, 2026

9 AM-Noon

How much do we know about Cannabis? The DEA considers cannabis to have no accepted medical use. Therefore, it is illegal to possess. Yet, almost every state has enacted legislation aimed at legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis for medical or recreational use. Despite this rise in social and legal acceptance, public health concerns regarding the use of cannabis remain, especially among dental professionals since the major routes of administration of cannabis involves the oral cavity.

This program will introduce dental professionals to the pharmacology of cannabis, including its various dosage forms, routes of administration and adverse reactions.  Special emphasis will be placed on the effects of cannabis use on oral health and dental treatment, as well as the proposed use of cannabis in dentistry for the management of patient anxiety and odontogenic pain.

Objectives

1. Discuss the history and various types of cannabis, as well as its current legal status.
2. Describe the pharmacology of cannabis, including its mechanism of action, routes of administration, available formulations and proposed uses in dentistry.
3. Explain the clinical considerations of cannabis use, including adverse reactions, drug interactions, contraindications and effects on major organ systems.
4. Explore the dental considerations of cannabis, including potential treatment modifications, and strategies for patient care planning.

Presenter: Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P.

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P.has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. Tom has presented over 1000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.