Prediabetes and Obesity

Making Oral Health Connections to Improve Health Outcomes

In this country, we are challenged by chronic diseases. Diabetes is a serious disease that affects every major organ of the body. Unfortunately, diabetes affects over 37 million people. Amazingly, 96 million Americans have prediabetes and 8 in 10 people don’t know they have it! Equally serious, obesity prevalence has risen to over 40% in adults and affects almost 15 million children and adolescents. Diabetes and obesity are connected. In this presentation, Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) reviews these two health conditions and their connections to oral health care.

Upon completion of the presentation on Prediabetes and Obesity, participants will be able to:

  • 1. Identify the prevalence of prediabetes and obesity in the U.S.

  • 2. Describe risk factors of prediabetes.

  • 3. Examine the health consequences of prediabetes and obesity.

  • 4. Utilize prevention strategies for addressing the challenges related to prediabetes and obesity.

  • 5. Incorporate assessment and treatment protocols to provide person-centered care for individuals with prediabetes and obesity.

Dental Sealants in the World of COVID-19

COVID-19 has introduced a number of challenges for dental clinics across the country. From clinic closures to limitations in services, it is more important than ever to prioritize prevention for vulnerable patients. Even with COVID-19, dental sealants can still be applied safely while limiting the amount of aerosols. Dental sealants are effective in preventing dental caries and should be a normal part of dental practice. Candace Owen, of the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) shares strategies to apply sealants during COVID-19; describes methods to help improve sealant rates; and shares the evidence behind dental sealants.

Upon completion of the presentation on Dental Sealants in the World of COVID-19, participants will be able to:

  • 1. Describe the evidence-base for dental sealants.

  • 2. Discuss strategies for placing sealants during COVID-19.

  • 3. Share how dental clinics can implement methods to improve sealant rates.

Instructors

Instructor Candace Owen

Candace Owen, RDH, MS, MPH is Education Director for the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA). A registered dental hygienist, she holds master’s degrees in public health and dental hygiene. Her experience includes clinical practice and serving as dental public health faculty at the University of New Mexico. At NNOHA, Candace develops educational resources for safety-net health care providers. This includes webinars, in-person trainings, technical assistance, learning collaboratives, and publications, with a focus on dental sealants. She also practices in a portable dental program in Denver and serves on the Special Olympics Colorado Young Professional Board.

Instructor JoAnn Gurenlian

JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD is Director of Education and Research for the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. She previously served as Professor and Graduate Program Director in Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University and is now Professor Emerita. Dr. Gurenlian is an Affiliate Fellow of the American Academy of Oral Medicine and past president of both the International Federation of Dental Hygienists and ADHA. She has authored more than 300 publications, co-authored Preventing Medical Emergencies, and delivered over 600 professional presentations worldwide. Dr. Gurenlian has chaired multiple national task forces and advisory committees and is the recipient of numerous prestigious professional awards.

ADHA-Accredited Course

A CEU is a measure used in continuing education programs to quantify the time spent during professional development activities. This course is accredited by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) for 2 CEUs. The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2022– Dec. 31, 2022). 

To earn CEUs, you will need to 1) participate in the live webinar on August 24, 2022, 2) complete all required course activities, and 3) complete the course evaluation survey. A certificate of completion and CE credits will be made available on the Student Dashboard upon receipt of evaluation survey responses

Course agenda is available for download HERE.

Pricing