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FYI: Dona Gabzdyl's handouts from the March 10th seminar are available by Clicking Here |
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A message from Nancy Colovos, Manager of the NCH Mobile Dental Clinic |
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Thank you to the NSDHS for its continued support of the Northwest Community Hospital’s Mobile Dental Clinic. We have been privileged to have over 60 volunteer hygienists at the clinic over the last six years and as we look ahead we ask that YOU will consider joining us. |
As the NCH Oral Health Program moves forward, it is our intent to expand our program to include a fixed site dental clinic. This clinic will be located near the hospital and provide an expanded scope of service to our existing patients to include dentures, partial dentures, root canals, and space maintainers. The most significant change to the Oral Health Program will be providing dental care to the developmentally disabled (DD) population, starting with Little City residents and expanding to the DD population in the northwest suburbs. This expansion is dependant on philanthropic funding and the generosity of the volunteer dentists and hygienists that will come forward and will connect with our vision. If this is something that may interest you, please fill out the volunteer application or contact me and I will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Thank You,
Nancy Colovos
Northwest Community Hospital
Dental Program Manager |
Hats off to Hard Working Hygienists!
By
Gina M. Strelecki, R.D.H., B.A.
NSDHS Component Trustee |
 2009 NSDHS Delegation at IDHA Annual Session
Pictured Left to right - Front Row: Florcy Lombos, Bonnie Lyons, Sonia Kerr, Gina Strelecki. Back row: Dona Gabzdyl(ADHA Delegate), Simona Catana, Cristina Bordabeheres (ADHA Alternate Delegate), Roxana Batea, Melissa Salzmann, Emily Perisin, Jenny Rush |
The beginning of October is a busy month for most people, especially if you have a family, children and a career. It is a sign of transition. Fall days for hygienists are filled with school activities, football games, fall yard cleanup and educating your patients and yourself. The month is also Dental Hygiene Month.
The first weekend in October was very busy for our North Suburban Dental Hygienists’ Society (NSDHS) delegates and alternates. Eleven NSDHS members attended the Illinois Dental Hygienists’ Association (IDHA) Annual Session in Westmont, Illinois. The session allows for exploration and networking in the field of Dental Hygiene.
Hygienists and dental hygiene students from all over the state of Illinois gather together for this special weekend. Approval for changes to the IDHA Bylaws and Policies are completed, dental hygiene students get a taste of Roberts Rules of Order, scholarships are awarded to dental hygiene students, there is recognition for dental hygiene volunteers, dental hygiene educators discuss their different programs, vendors visit to demonstrate and distribute new products and everyday dental hygienist get to discuss their challenges and successes of their careers. It gives us a chance to mingle and reconnect with old friends. It is a wonderful opportunity for all NSDHS members. |
| I want to thank my fellow NSDHS delegates and alternates: Cristina Bordabeheres, Sonia Kerr, Bonnie Lyons, Melissa Salzmann, Jenny Rush, Roxana Batea, Simona Catana, Dona Gabzdyl, Florcy Lombos, and Emily Perisin for taking a weekend out of their busy schedules and dedicating it to the health of their dental hygiene careers. I would also like to congratulate these NSDHS delegates for their elections to the IDHA offices: Bonnie Lyons (IDHA Finance Committee), Dona Gabzdyl (IDHA Delegate to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Annual Session) and Cristina Bordabeheres (ADHA alternate delegate). Each year that we come together makes me realize how special and talented dental hygienists are to the overall health of the public. We love what we do and wouldn’t continue with this career if we didn’t. I encourage all of you to join us next October for a weekend of personal and dental hygiene enrichment. |
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The Soul Of Dental Hygiene
By Sara Hallowell, RDH, BS
That was my quest. After 15 years in clinical private practice, I was looking for the soul of dental hygiene. Of course, at the heart of dental hygiene is prevention. But prevention for whom? Only those with the financial means? Access to care is a huge problem for dentistry and it has bothered me for years. So, how can I help? At this point in my career I was willing to find out.
I went pro bono publico and spent the summer finding out where people of low or even no socioeconomic status got dental care. I went volunteering…I left my clinical private practice job for the world of Public Health. I met some wonderful professionals on my journey. They are the medical students, college students, administrators, grant writers, nurses, dental assistants, and dentists who lead me to the soul of dentistry. Those of you, who haven’t had the opportunity to work with the Northwest Community Hospital Mobile Dental Clinic, please do. They are a wonderful group of professionals in that colorful Winnebago! CLICK HERE to give it a try |
Sara and her daughter Amanda at the Jesus House Health Fair for Heartland Alliance on July 18, 2009 |
A great surprise came with Heartland Alliance. They embrace people from desperate circumstances and offer them hope and health. Heartland Alliance believes in whole body care and has dental clinics included in their health centers. They understand that dentistry is part of total body care. Community Health is opening a dental clinic in their massive free health center in Chicago. It was wonderful see that dentistry is being accepted as part of health care. Public Health Dentistry is a completely different experience than private dentistry, and one I encourage you to try. The sense of community and pride toward your profession will engulf you.
I believe every clinician in dental hygiene; no matter where they work provide a preventative service that helps maintain the total body health of the patient. But my experiences with Public Health lead me to people of all backgrounds who’s sense of community and caring for the well being of the public make them the soul of both medicine and dentistry.
Sara Hallowell, RDH, BS
NSDHS Newsletter/Corresponding Secretary
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Washington Post Article Addresses Topic of Oral Health in Health Care Reform
In its June 23 issue, the Washington Post published an article titled “Putting Teeth in Health-Care Reform: Advocates Pursue Dental Issues,” which talked about the urgency of having oral health care in the current health-care reform discussion. The story, which headlined ADHA’s slogan, “Put Teeth in Health Reform,” also included coverage of this year’s Lobby Day, in which hundreds of dental hygienists spent the day meeting with lawmakers and their staffs discussing various issues pertaining to dental hygiene and oral health.
Check out the July 2009 edition of Access Magazine. NSDHS members Gina Strelecki and Cristina Bordabeheres are among those on the cover! |
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| New Dissolvable Tobacco Product Raises Concern |
1. Be aware of a new dissolvable tobacco product to entice teenagers as reported from Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program. The product Ariva, also known as Stonewall, Camel Orbs, Sticks and Strips, is a dissolvable, tasty flavored pill placed on your tongue or rests between your cheeks and gums. It is a finely milled tobacco merged with food-grade binders. Each pill is equivalent to 1.5 mg. of nicotine or approximately one smoked cigarette. Appearance is similar to candy, mints, or pills with flavors of Java, Mint, or Wintergreen. Due to the small size, two to three may be consumed resulting in higher dosage of nicotine causing individuals to become sick. Symptoms of smaller doses may include: paleness, increased saliva flow, nausea/vomiting, and sweatiness/shakiness. Larger amounts consumed, more serious symptoms displayed may be: blood pressure changes, heart rate, confusion and /or seizures/coma.
JOHN YAUKEY , Gannett Washington Bureau , May 20, 2009, reported, “ An amendment to the tobacco legislation recently passed by a Senate panel would require the new Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to study the public health effects of tobacco candy — particularly the risks to children — and report its findings to the Food and Drug Administration within two years. Posted June 7, 2009 |
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Thank You to the NSDHS Board 2008-2009
Front Row (L to R) Kathy Barnum, Kimmy Yaras, Dona Gabzdyl, Debbie Owens, Maria Campillo, Bonnie Lyons, Florcy Lombos, Trish DeDios and Jenny Rush
Back Row (L to R) Sonia Kerr, Gina Strelecki, Cristina Bordabeheres, Jill Gauss, Alison Stahl, Linda Argeros, Laura Burke, Sara Hallowell and Donna Michalek |
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Congratulations to the 2009 Harper Dental Hygiene Graduates! |
Congratulations to NSDHS Member, Dona Gabzdyl, RDH, BS, MBA
Receiving the 2009 ADHA and Johnson & Johnson Hygienist Hero Award
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Dona Gabzdyl, RDH, BS, MBA was one out of ten recipients to receive the prestigious 2009 Hygienist Hero Award, following in the footsteps of fellow NSDHS member, Donna Grzegorek - 2008 Hygienist Hero Honoree! The criterion is based on finding hygienists who are an an integral part of the dental team who go above and beyond daily practice. A Hygienist Hero donates time to charities to enhance oral health care in their communities. Hygienist Heroes champion to raise awareness for oral health care and are an inspiration to all.
In appreciation of Dona's extraordinary efforts, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association presented Dona the Hygienist Hero Award at the ADHA Annual Session in Washington D.C. This program is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., maker of LISTERINE® Antiseptic and REACH® Brands. Dona also received a $1000.00 honorarium to donate to the Northwest Community Healthcare Mobile Dental Clinic - her charity of choice.
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Dona Gabzdyl, RDH, BS, MBA
2009 Hygienist Hero |
Dona’s winning essay discussed her personal pledge to actively make a difference in the community: to serve the undeserved population in attaining comprehensive oral health care. Dona worked with the Northwest Community Healthcare Mobile Dental Clinic on various community outreach programs both in and outside of the clinical setting. She was the only hygienist to participate in the WGN Channel 9 Television Network “Back-To-School Health Fair,” performing oral health examinations to hundreds of school children.
In addition, she conducts oral health presentations to elementary schools along with conducting various oral health projects with her Brownie Girl Scout troop for which she is a leader. One outreach program Dona participated in was a pilot research project entitled, “Determining Health Status and Health Disparities for an Embedded Rural Workforce” screening over 300 at-risk men, women and children who live in the Arlington Park Racetrack dormitories. This project researched the health-related risks and disparities of those who work on the backstretch areas, being one of the most vulnerable to lack access to health care. According to the results of the study, 46% had untreated carious lesions, 17% had soft tissue lesions, and 28% had periodontal disease. Identifying these disparities can now bring about awareness to this population so they can receive additional care and supportive services.
Dona attibutes her success based on her involvement as an NSDHS delegate and board member: "I thank North Suburban Dental Hygienists' Society for making me the person I am today. It is my involvement with my professional association that has allowed me to vote on behalf of dental hygienists and allow us to practice under General Supervision in Illinois so we can serve many of those who never saw a dentist or hygienist for preventive care before. Through the Mobile Dental Clinic, I can provide periodontal therapy and the highest standards of education for those who cannot afford to receive care due to financial barriers, with the same standards I provide in my clinical practice." Click here to visit the J&J Website to hear the other Hygienist Hero stories and to apply to become the next Hygienist Hero.
NSDHS Congratulates Dona Gabzdyl for this wonderful achievement! |
The Board of the North Suburban Dental Hygiene Society wishes to congratulate Mary Pat Burgess for all her community service efforts she provided for Chicago Schools and on receiving The Golden Toothbrush Award. She is a mentor to us all! NSDHS strives to outreach to the community. Please visit this youtube link to see Mary Pat explain the program and watch her receive the Golden Toothbrush Award. Click Here to see the video
NSDHS at Career Expo |
Sara Hallowell, Kathy Barnum and Deb Owen represented North Suburban at Northwest Suburban Education to Careers Partnership 2009 Career Expo on Tuesday evening April 28 at the Willow Creek Activity Center. This expo was attended by 1400 students and parents of High School Districts 211,214, 220 and Harper College. Sara, Kathy and Deb gave handouts and information to students interested in a career in dental hygiene. |
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Pictured Left to right: Sara Hallowell, Kathy Barnum and Deb Owens |
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The Soft Drink Tax
According to The New England Journal of Medicine, "Forty states already have small taxes on sugared beverages and snack foods." To read the rest of the article, CLICK HERE |
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NSDHS's own member, Dawn Kasper, RDH, EC has an article published online on www.pinktooth.net on Managing Pain...One Step At A Time |
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NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO DENTAL HYGIENE
NSDHS MEMBER,
DONNA GRZEGOREK
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American Academy of Dental Hygiene Elects
Donna Grzegorek to Governing Council
Accepted into the International Federation of Dental Hygienists
This summer while attending “Under One Roof” in Las Vegas, NSDHS member Donna Grzegorek, was elected to the Governing Council of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene. The AADH was established in 1985 and is an organization whose vision is professional growth through leadership, mentorship and fellowship. The AADH is the only dental hygiene organization which recognizes the outstanding contributions of its members with a Fellowship credential. |
Donna Grzegorek, RDH, EC |
In addition, Donna's application to the International Federation of Dental Hygienists was recently approved. The IFDH was formed in 1986 in Oslo, Norway. The purpose of this non-profit organization is to unite dental hygiene associations from around the world in their common cause of promoting dental health.
We congratulate 29 year NSDHS member, Donna Grzegorek for her resolute dedication to the dental hygiene profession. |
New Publications
By Donna Grzegorek, RDH, EC
Donna's article entitled, "A Fighting Partner" discusses dentists and hygienists partnering to detect early oral cancer, was published in the March RDH Magazine. Click Here to read article
Donna's article entitled, "Hygienists and Dentists Partner to Form First Line of Defense" published in January 2009 Dental Economics journal. Click Here to read article
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Donna Receives the ADHA Hygienist Hero Award
Donna Grzegorek a 28 year member of NSDHS was contacted by ADHA President Jean Connor to congratulate her for being selected as a recipient of the 2008 “Hygienist Hero” Award. This recognition is sponsored by The American Dental Hygienists’ Association in conjunction with Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division. The winning criterion was based on: "A hygienists' dedication to promoting oral health in the community and his/her overall impact on the community, based on the number of people affected. The Hygienist Hero's caring actions make a significant difference in their patients' lives. The Hygienist Hero is one that is committed to taking that extra step, every single day." |
This is the first year of the esteemed national recognition. Up to 10 hygienists throughout the United States could be chosen. The judges chose 9 recipients. As a recipient Donna will receive a commemorative plaque, $1,000.00 to be donated in her name to the healthcare charity of her choice, travel and hotel accommodations to the 2008 ADHA Annual Session in Albuquerque New Mexico June 18th - 25th, the ADHA Annual Session registration fees, complimentary attendance at continuing education courses while in Albuquerque, recognition at an event in her honor as well as presence in industry journals.
Donna’s response to this wonderful award is, “I do not consider myself a hero, but rather a passionate hygienist who wants to make a difference in the lives of the people that surround me. I am humbled to be in a position that allows me to educate the public and perform procedures to patients that might very well influence their oral health and systemic well being.”
NSDHS is very proud of Donna and happy to have her represent our component. |
ADHA Access Journal Features Donna Grzegorek
Draw your attention to the cover of the September/October ACCESS Journal and you will find Donna Grzegorek performing a VELscope examination on one of her patients. Donna's interview regarding oral cancer and early detection is contained in the article: "Oral Cancer Devices in the Operatory", pages 34-39. The timing of this article/cover is perfect.... as this is what Donna will be discussing at the NSDHS meeting on November 19th. They say "timing is everything"!
...Also, note Donna's IDHA Scholar pin on her left lapel. |
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Thank you to those who participated in
National Children's Dental Health Month
Supplies are still available all year |
Pictured left to right: Kathy Barnum, RDH, BS, Sonia's daughter and Sonia Kerr, RDH
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Are you looking for ways to gain CEU's? Did you know that you can earn credits by giving dental health presentations to your local schools, libraries, girl/boy scouts and senior centers.
NSDHS Dental Health Chairperson, Sonia Kerr can help you with ideas, props, posters and puppets for your speeches. Everyday we spread our knowledge onto our patients. Just imagine how many people we could touch if we all just volunteered to share what we were educated to do.
Community service is not for that "other person" to do. It is what each of us should do and NSDHS can help. Email Sonia at sonia815@aol.com with any questions, comments or requests. |
New Portability Resource from ADHA
Are you moving soon? Do you know of another dental hygienist who is moving? If so, please check out http://www.adha.org/portability/ the new page of the American Dental Hygienists' Association web site devoted exclusively to assisting you in acquiring a dental hygiene license in another state. In addition to general information, the page has direct links to each state's board of dentistry web site. Contact the Division of Governmental Affairs at ADHA at gov.affairs@adha.net for additional information.
Tobacco Cessation Initiatives
What’s Happening with AskAdviseRefer? |
An article in the most recent edition of the Hygiene Herald states that Illinois is soon to become the 19th Smoke-Free state. Effective January 1, 2008, all work places, restaurants, and casinos will be smoke-free. As hygienists, we now have an even bigger job to educate our patients and recommend various methods to help them kick the habit.
In the Hygiene Herald, Sandra Nagel Beebe, RDH, PhD encourages hygienists to keep those QUIT-NOW cards readily available to hand out to friends and patients. Also, we can refer to www.askadviserefer.org for additional information or brochures.
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If you need more QUIT cards contact your State Liaison Sandra at sbeebe@siu.edu or SCI Director Carol Southard, RN, MSN at smoking-cessation@adha.edu.
NSDHS' Tobacco Cessation Liaison, Lee Frank would like to remind all of you of the unique opportunity we have as health care providers to reduce systemic illness, prevent premature death and increase the quality of life for our patients and community. The advice of a health care professional can more than double the smoking cessation success rate. The American Dental Hygienists' Association Smoking Cessation Initiative has tools available through askadviserefer.org and www.smokefree.gov. Quit cards are also available to disburse to your patients which refer them to 1 800 QUIT NOW. Consider putting a display up in your office. Contact Lee Frank, RDH, BS if you have additional needs or questions at lef1002@aol.com |
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New Guidelines Regarding Antibiotics to
Prevent Infective Endocarditis |
| The American Heart Association recently updated its guidelines regarding which patients should take a precautionary antibiotic to prevent infective endocarditis (IE) before receiving dental care.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES |
FOR MORE NSDHS NEWS AND EVENTS ARCHIVES CLICK HERE
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