MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:  ESSENTIALS FOR THE DENTAL PROFESSIONAL

Supported by an educational grant from Colgate.

Friday, November 7, 2014

8:30am-11:30am (3 CE hrs)

Room 101-B

Dental hygiene and dental visits still remain anxiety-inducing experiences for some patients.  This heightened anxiety level can increase the risk of medical emergencies occurring during appointments.  This course will utilize simulated emergencies to promote the determination of the correct emergency diagnosis and the proper treatment procedures to be rendered by the dental professional in the event that an emergency should arise. A wide array of emergencies will be covered from syncope to anaphylactic shock. Highlighted will be the prevention of medical emergencies by the use of appropriate assessment procedures prior to treatment.  The importance of preparing and maintaining an adequate medical emergency kit will be emphasized.

Course Objectives:

Recommended for…Everyone.

Ellen B. Grimes, RDH, MA, MPA, Ed.D, is the program director at the Vermont Technical College where she has taught in the Dental Hygiene Department since 1984. Her areas of expertise are: the Dental Sciences, Medical Emergencies, Oral Pathology, Clinical Dental Hygiene and the Administration of Local Anesthetics.  She was the recipient of the 2001 UVM Kroepsch Maurice Award for teaching excellence.

Ellen received her baccalaureate degree in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Bridgeport, Fones School of Dental Hygiene.  She earned a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from Montclair State University and a second Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Vermont.  She earned a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Vermont.

Ellen was the president of the Vermont Dental Hygienists' Association (VDHA) from 1993-1994 and has served that organization in numerous capacities over the past 30 years.  In 1998, she was honored with the VDHA Outstanding Dental Hygienist of the Year Award.  She is an accreditation site visitor for the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation and a consultant for the Northeast Regional Board Examination.   In addition, she is a certified CPR instructor trainer for the American Heart Association.

Dr. Grimes, (or an immediate family member) has a significant relationship with the following commercial organization whose product she will refer to in this presentation: Philips Sonicare.