Dental CE Course: Dental Hygiene Alumni Day

Presentation Format
Interactive Workshop with Small Group Activities

Course Description
This course is based on the current scientific literature and evidence-based strategies to provide clinicians practical guidelines regarding the use of ultrasonic instrumentation. Ultrasonic instrumentation techniques will be covered extensively following the dental hygiene process of care and utilizing hands-on activities. Patient cases demonstrating successful treatment with ultrasonic instrumentation will be shared.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Differentiate the advantages and limitations of the various technologies which drive power scaling units
• Compare and contrast the three E’s of hand, sonic, and ultrasonic instrumentation techniques: effectiveness, efficiency, and ergonomics
• Describe the technology of ultrasonics and define key terminology, including acoustic streaming, acoustical turbulence, cavitation, lavage, frequency, power and stroke pattern
• Identify and assess pretreatment considerations for the use of ultrasonic instrumentation to include patient’s medical history, clinical indications, and contraindications
• Identify various modifying factors which influence and/or change instrumentation protocols such as root anatomy, furcations and oral conditions
• Demonstrate the correct technique for utilization of the ultrasonic scaler to include insert and power selection, lavage flow, grasp,fulcrum, tip adaptation, and stroke
• Implement ultrasonic instrumentation to facilitate thorough periodontal debridement and enhance clinical outcomes


Renee' GrahamRenee’ C. Graham, R.D.H., M.Ed., received a dental hygiene degree from Darton College and both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education degree from Valdosta State University. Renee’ brings 19 years of clinical experience in general and periodontal practices and 11 years of academic experience to the Division. For 10 of the 11 academic years, she held the position as Director of Dental Programs at Valdosta Technical College in Valdosta, Georgia.

Renee’ has served as a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation since 2003 and has been very active with regional testing agencies, the Georgia Dental Hygiene Educators Association, and dental hygiene and assisting curriculum development for the State of Georgia. Her speaking engagements have encompassed international, national and local engagements.