Total CE: 5.5 hours
8:45 | Check-In, W220 A/B
9:10 | Welcome
9:15 - 10:45 | Considerations in Treating the ASD Patient
Presenters: Robin McNeil, Jhanvi Desai, Nicole McGlynn
Course Overview: This course focuses on the unique oral healthcare needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It provides dental professionals with strategies for creating supportive environments, preventive oral hygiene methods, and emphasizes the role of inter-professional collaboration.
Course Objectives:
Recognize the special needs of autistic adults.
Understand how to create a supportive and accommodating environment in the dental office.
Discuss preventive strategies for oral hygiene at home.
Explore inter-professional collaboration in providing effective dental care.
10:45 - 11 | Break
11 – 12:30 | Assessing Decision-Making Capacity: A Guide for Dental Professionals
Presenter: Jennifer Hartshorn
Course Overview: This course will provide an overview of decision-making capacity tailored for dental professionals. It explores assessment of decision-making capacity, clinical indicators and communication strategies. Attendees will learn how to distinguish between capacity and competence, identify when shared or surrogate decision making is appropriate, and discuss a framework for identifying surrogate decision makers. This course will use real-world case examples and interactive discussion as participants gain confidence in navigating complex scenarios.
Course Objectives:
Define decision-making capacity and distinguish it from legal competence.
Identify the components necessary to assess capacity, including understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and communication.
Recognize when shared or surrogate decision-making is necessary and who should assist patients with these decisions.
12:30 - 1:00 | Lunch Break
1:00 - 2:30 | Meeting the Needs of an Aging Population: Glass-Ionomer Cements in General Dentistry
Presenter: Leo Marchini
Course Overview: This presentation covers the properties and clinical applications of Glass-Ionomer Cements (GIC), specifically addressing their suitability for elderly patients. Participants will review the advantages, disadvantages, and specific indications of GIC within restorative dentistry.
Course Objectives:
Define glass-ionomer cements (GIC).
List GIC clinical indications.
List pros and cons of GIC.
Assess GIC suitability as a restorative material choice for the specific needs of older adults.
2:30 - 3:30 | Our Experiences of Supporting Anxious Patients with Special Health Care Needs
Presenter: Rohit Nair
Course Overview: This session highlights effective approaches to managing dental anxiety among patients with special health care needs (SHCN). Attendees will gain insights into various evidence-based behavioral, pharmacological, and environmental interventions.
Course Objectives:
Understand the nature and impact of dental anxiety, especially in patients with SHCN.
Evaluate evidence-based strategies—behavioral, pharmacological, and environmental—for managing dental anxiety.
Apply practical, patient-centered approaches to reduce anxiety and enhance outcomes in dental care settings.
Course Fees
DDS: $130
Asst: $130
Faculty: $100
Staff/Adjunct/Emeritus: $50
Refund Policy
Fees paid will be refunded less a $45 per person processing fee following notice of cancelation. Refunds will not be granted for cancellations received after the course begins.
Accreditation Statements
The university of Iowa, College of Dentistry, is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.