AAP will host its first dental hygiene symposium in conjunction with its Annual Meeting in San Francisco September 21, 2003...

AAP Dental Hygiene Symposium Brings to Forefront Relationship Between Periodontists and Dental Hygienists

AAP will host its first dental hygiene symposium in conjunction with its Annual Meeting in San Francisco September 21, 2003.

CHICAGO – April 4, 2003 – AAP will host its first dental hygiene symposium in conjunction with its Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 21, 2003, at the Moscone West Convention Center in San Francisco. This all-day event titled "Dental Hygiene and Periodontics: The Future is Now," begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 5:00 p.m.

“Dental hygienists are vital members of the periodontal team, especially in treating and educating patients about oral health,” said Jill Rethman, R.D.H., symposium co-moderator. “This has created a constant need and demand for hygienists to seek information about periodontal diseases, which is what helped to bring this symposium to the forefront.”

“The AAP hopes that dental hygienists will take their increased knowledge of periodontal diseases, therapies and periodontal esthetics back to their practices where it will allow them to better serve their patients and foster closer partnerships with the practicing periodontist.” said Gordon Douglass, D.D.S., president of the AAP.

Michael Rethman, D.D.S., president-elect of the AAP, will also co-moderate the symposium, which highlights a variety of topics relating to periodontal diseases. Some of the topics include the relationship between periodontal and systemic diseases, periodontal esthetics, chemotherapeutics, oral hygiene aids and antimicrobials.

Leading clinicians in periodontics and dental hygiene will participate. They include: Sebastian Ciancio, D.D.S.; Anita Daniels, R.D.H.; Becky DeSpain Eden, R.D.H.; Michael McGuire, D.D.S.; Richard Nagy, D.D.S.; Joan Otomo-Corgel, D.D.S.; Trisha O'Hehir, R.D.H.,; and Anna Pattison, R.D.H., At the end of the symposium, the speakers will be on hand for a panel discussion to answer any questions dental hygienists may have about periodontal diseases.

This symposium presents a complementary forum for dental hygienists attending the California Dental Hygienists' Association's (CDHA) conference September 19-20. By attending the AAP symposium, CDHA attendees can take advantage of a vast array of continuing education offerings. In addition, the AAP's Annual Meeting's exhibition will be open to all dental hygienists participating in this symposium. The registration fees for this event are as follows:

To register or get more information, contact the AAP's Meetings Department, 312/573-3210 or sarah@perio.org.

This event is made possible by the generous support of the John O. Butler Company, Pfizer and DENTSPLY Professional/DENTSPLY Pharmaceuticals.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.

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