Academy of General Dentistry's 2003 Annual Meeting

Continuing education takes center stage

CHICAGO (June 27, 2003) – Highlighted below are condensed overviews of selected scientific sessions to be presented by top clinicians during the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) Annual Meeting being held in Nashville, July 17-20, 2003. Media representatives are invited to attend any scientific session and tour the exhibit floor.

Interviews with clinicians can be arranged in advance of the meeting by contacting Susan Urbanczyk, at 312/440-4308 or [email protected]. After July 15, arrangements can be made through the press room, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Governor's Chamber D, 615/458-0872. All media representatives must register on-site at the pressroom (Governor's Chamber D) and receive a press pass in order to attend scientific sessions and for exhibit floor access.

THURSDAY, JULY 17

Bed Wetting, Ear Infections and the Mouth – What do these three things have in common? The answer may be right under our noses. Research indicates a direct connection between bed-wetting and ear infections to the size of our jawbone. AGD dentists will explain how widening the jaw and airway among children who suffer from either or both conditions reduces the occurrence or cures the problem completely. (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., L10 "Early, Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment for the General Dental Practitioner," Derek Mahony, BDS, MS )

Oral Cancer Screenings – More than 50 AGD members will volunteer their time for three hours to perform free oral cancer screenings at Opry Mills mall. Oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer, accounts for about 3.6 percent of all cancers diagnosed, with roughly 40,000 new cases of oral cancer reported annually in the United States. General dentists perform a thorough screening for oral cancer in conjunction with regular dental checkups. This is the screening program's first year. (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Opry Mills mall)

House of Delegates Opening Session – The House of Delegates is the Academy's governing body. Two hundred AGD members will be present to vote on issues that affect the dental community. Highlights include presentations of the Distinguished Service and Constituent of the Year awards. (8:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m, Gaylord Opryland Convention Center, Delta BCD)

Exhibit Hall Opens – Browse through more than 200 dental exhibits. This is the place to see the latest inventions and discoveries in dental technology and the newest advances in materials and products. The floor opens at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17 and closes at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19. Personalized tours of the most interesting and visual product booths can be arranged by contacting Susan Urbanczyk at 312/440-4308 or [email protected]. (3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Exhibit Hall)

FRIDAY, JULY 18

SmileLine, 1-800-SMILE-33: Toll-free Dental Hotline – The SmileLine, hosted by more than 120 members of the AGD, takes place as part of the Academy's 2003 annual meeting in Nashville. Consumers can call 1-800-SMILE-33 (1-800-764-5333) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. CDT (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EDT) to speak with a dentist about dental questions, concerns or interests. Bilingual dentists will be available to answer calls from Spanish-speaking consumers. SmileLine services are available by phone only; please note the room is not open to consumers. Kodak Dental Products, Bisco, Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals and Zila Pharmaceuticals cosponsor this event. (7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. CDT, Gaylord Opryland Convention Center, Governors Chamber E)

Drill-Less Root Canals? Yes! – Think the only way to treat a decayed tooth is by drilling and extraction? Think again. Some dental patients are perfect candidates for a faster, less expensive and drill-free alternative to a root canal. AGD dentists will explain how "bonded direct pulp capping" may be the answer to many dental patients' prayers. If that isn't enough, this procedure further eliminates the need for any follow up procedures. (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., C15, "The Missing Factor in Esthetic Dentistry: Occlusion," Michael Teitelbaum, DMD, FAGD)

A Pain in the Brain – 46% of women and 38% of men regularly suffer from tension headaches, but most would not think to call their dentist to relieve the pain. In reality, the source of the pain in your head may be a direct link to your mouth. AGD dentists will discuss the role they can play in helping patients become headache-free. (10:30 a.m. – 12: 00 p.m., C14, "Avoiding TMD/MPD Lawsuit: Orofacial Pain Evaluation and Management," Keith Yount, DDS, FAGD)

Swollen Lips Spell Trouble – Are you one of the many Americans that suffer from burning, stinging or redness on your lips or tongue? You could be having an allergic reaction to a common everyday product, such as lip balm, toothpaste or chewing gum. AGD dentists will explain the role they play in helping patients recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and what to do to identify the culprit. (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., L25, "Current Concepts in Oral Medicine: 2003," Michael Siegel, DDS, MS)

Socket to Me – Patients can help themselves prevent dry socket, a painful side effect caused by removal of wisdom teeth or other molars, by informing their dentists if they smoke or take certain medications. AGD dentists will reveal what medications and lifestyle habits could set off this painful reaction after leaving the dentist's chair, why it's important for patients to share their health history and how a dentist can alter patient care based on having complete knowledge. (Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., P17, "Easier, Faster, More Predictable Oral Surgery for the General Practitioner," Karl Koerner, DDS, MS, FAGD)

Honesty is the Best Policy - Not sharing crucial information with your dentist about drug use can trigger harmful -- even fatal – consequences if combined with sedatives and painkillers in the dental chair. Our dentists will address the special handling of patients who use drugs recreationally or who have a chemical dependency and the importance of honesty to avoid serious drug interactions. (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., L09, "Street Drugs: Their Impact on You, Your Family, and Your Dental Practice," Harold Crossley, DDS)

Snoring, Sleep Apnea and Your Dentist – Someone who suffers from constant headaches, fatigue and excessive napping may have a sleep disorder. Sleep disorder sufferers may not think of their dentist as someone to turn to for help, but they should. AGD dentists will share information on the role they play in helping patients manage this condition and what can be done using oral devices to help clear up this problem. (10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., C08, "Sleep Disorders: The Dentists Expanding Role," Dennis Bailey, DDS, FAGD)

SATURDAY, JULY 19

Convocation Ceremony – The prestigious Fellowship and Mastership awards will be conferred to more than 300 AGD members during a formal cap and gown ceremony. The awards are earned through an individual's commitment to continuing dental education and to lifelong learning. The ceremony symbolizes the AGD's dedication to excellence in dental education. The 2003 Weclew Honorary Fellowship will also be presented during convocation. (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Gaylord Opryland Convention Center, Delta A)

Laser Sharp & Pain-Free – Dentists can now use lasers to cut bone and tissue without the side effects associated with traditional treatments. Reduced bleeding, soreness or swelling are just three benefits patients have to reap from the FDAs approval of lasers used for root canal therapy, surgical extractions and endodontic surgery (used when a root canal fails). Our dentists will talk about why laser use in dentistry is revolutionary and how it is setting a new standard in dental care. (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., C22, "Why Laser Dentistry is Revolutionary," William Chen, DMD, MAGD)

SUNDAY, JULY 20

Never Too Old For A Great Smile – Oral health needs change as we get older and for adults over 50, oral health is more than just disease prevention. Dentists can help their patients by learning more about treatment planning for those with diabetes, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's. Dentists will also discuss the effect of medications on oral health and disease. (8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., L20, "Aging Successfully: Oral Health for the Prime of Life," Linda Niessen, DMD, MPH)

House of Delegates Closing Session--Delegates will elect several new officers for the 2003-2004 year and will adopt policy on a variety of dental practice and oral health related issues including a recommendation that dentists adopt environmental best management practices in their dental offices, that dentists supervise the placement of dental sealants in optimal settings, that the AGD supports legislation linking perinatal health to overall health including oral health and continued support for the AGD's Oral Health Literacy Project, which aims to improve the oral health behavior of children through school-based educational programs. (8:30 a.m., Gaylord Opryland Convention Center, Delta BCD).

Editor's Note: Interviews with clinicians can be arranged in advance of the meeting by contacting Susan Urbanczyk, at 312/440-4308 or [email protected]. After July 15, arrangements can be made through the press room, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Governor's Chamber D, 615/458-0872. For more information on the AGD's 51st Annual Meeting: http://www.agd.org/library/index.html