2026 Dental Hygiene Symposium

Martha McComas, RDH, MS Advances in Local Anesthesia and Pain Management Strategies This engaging and practical lecture explores the latest updates in local anesthetic agents, contemporary pain management strategies and effective injection techniques for maxillary and mandibular procedures. Participants will strengthen their understanding of foundational principles in pain control, anatomy and physiology while gaining practical instruction to enhance everyday clinical success. The course also introduces alternative techniques designed to improve outcomes for patients with challenging anesthesia needs. You Will Learn To recognize the indications and contraindications for various local anesthetic agents in dental procedures To review maxillary and mandibular injections for improved accuracy and patient comfort To explain the anatomical and physiological basis behind dental pain and its management To utilize alternative injection techniques and agents for patients with special considerations To identify alternative pain management without the use of opioids To manage nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation Current Concepts in Caries Management by Risk Assessment During this lecture, Ms. McComas will present a contemporary approach to caries management, focusing on risk assessment and evidence-based, non-surgical interventions. Participants will learn to evaluate caries risk in both adult and pediatric patients, develop individualized preventive strategies and understand and strengthen the dental hygienist's pivotal role in caries management You Will Learn To conduct comprehensive caries risk assessments for diverse patient populations To understand ICDAS caries detection and evaluation of activity To develop individualized non-surgical caries management and prevention strategies for adults and children To integrate current evidence-based protocols for caries management within the dental team To demonstrate the dental hygienist's role in patient education, risk reduction and ongoing caries prevention Who Should Attend This symposium is designed for dental hygienists, dentists and other allied dental professionals. Tuition: $215 Allied Dental Professionals; $325 Dentists; $185 CDHA members Program: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, 155 Fifth Street, SF Credits: This activity is designated for 6 units of continuing education credit. Symposium includes lunch and morning coffee/tea service. Presenter Martha McComas, RDH, MS, is an accomplished educator and leader in interprofessional health care, currently serving as director of interprofessional education at University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She received her associate of science in dental hygiene from Indiana University in 2002, followed by a bachelor of arts and a master of science degree in dental hygiene from University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. She has more than two decades of experience in dental hygiene education and clinical practice. Ms. McComas is dedicated to advancing team-based, patient-centered care through innovative interprofessional education \(IPE\). She founded the Dental Navigator program, collaborating with emergency medicine and social services to improve oral health care for the underserved. She is an active member of the University of Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education, the National CAMBRA Coalition and the American Academy of Cariology, and contributes to the American Dental Education Association.