Getting a room at the Rio

OK, I just booked my room at the Rio for RDH Under One Roof, and I encourage you to do the same as soon as possible. Right now the hotel has rooms, but every year attendees that book hotel rooms at the last minute find they can’t get a room onsite.

One of the best parts of any UOR conference is the ability to network from dawn to dark and this year’s conference will be no exception. Even if you aren’t the type to be on the go day and night, it’s still nice to be able to grab a quick nap or change into a more comfortable pair of shoes without leaving the meeting hotel.

If you’ve been to UOR, then you know that staying onsite is really advantageous and takes the whole experience to an entirely new level.

Investing in yourself and the future

While I know that everyone is more focused on money than ever before, think of coming to RDH Under One Roof as a way to not only invest in your professional career but a way to help this country’s economy.

With a few exceptions, most of us will travel to Las Vegas on an American-based airline. The Rio Hotel is owned by U.S. investors, and the majority of our travel dollars will be spent in Nevada. The conference host is PennWell, another U.S. company and the majority of exhibitors are U.S. based or maintain offices here in this country.

Along with pumping up the economy, think of how your new found knowledge and enthusiasm can help out the dental practice that you’re associated with. Even though you’re going to leave Las Vegas dog-tired from the nonstop events, I guarantee you’re going to return to your practice ready to hit the ground running with all that you learn at UOR.

Time to look at the airfares

Tradition always dictated that airfares hit a low fare sweet spot about six to eight weeks in advance, but those rules are not in place in today’s market. Airlines everywhere are slashing prices. In fact, there are bargains galore through out the entire travel industry, with the expressed intent of keeping the travel industry alive.

Based on what I’m seeing right now, it’s not a bad time to purchase a ticket to Las Vegas. If you see a fare from a major city for less than $250, jump on it. More remote locations will always have higher fares, but if you live out in the boonies, then you already know that fact.

Typically, red-eye flights have bottom-of-the-barrel prices, but is it really worth it to save a few pennies only to arrive in the middle of the night and spend the first day trying to stay awake? You want to enjoy the conference events refreshed rather than wishing you were still in bed hugging your pillow.

UOR - A global event

Even though it’s hard to drown out all of the doom and gloom in today’s newscasts, it’s important for all of us to remember, life will go on despite the wobbly economy, which means that we’re still going to need CEs to maintain our dental hygiene licenses. I can’t think of a better or more fun way to get the needed credits than at RDH Under One Roof. 

The meeting has set the standard for high quality CEs, in a relaxed, fun format and every year the event just keeps getting better and better. The number of UOR regulars grows each year and it’s such fun to reconnect with hygienists from all over the planet every summer. 

UOR is not just a U.S. event, it is global, attracting hygienists from all over the United States, Canada, far away Pacific Islands and even Australia.

Handout Options: Going Green

It's been a long time coming, but people all over the country are becoming more conscious of our environment. Pollution and dwindling natural resources are fueling the green movement.

This year's RDH Under One Roof is doing its part by putting all general session course handouts online. If you're the type who loves to take notes on a paper handout, go to www.rdhunderoneroof.com and click on the Handout tab on the left side of the page. Select a course and fill in the user name and password that is in your registration packet. Download the pdf file. Either print your own personal copy and bring it to the conference or save the pdf file to your hard drive for future reference. You make the choice!

Workshops and small group presentations, sponsored by individual companies, are not part of the green option yet. All general session handouts will be available on line for 90 days after the conference.

That extra suitcase

If you've been to an RDH Under One Roof conference in the past, you'll understand the wisdom of this advice: While it may seem nuts to take an empty suitcase or bring an empty zippered canvas tote bag to the conference, you'll soon find out why this is so important.

I have no idea what to expect this year but in the past exhibitors at UOR have been quite generous. They come prepared to give attendees lots of samples. They know that UOR participants are serious about the clinical side of dental hygiene. Not only do companies give out loads of samples, but there are lots of door prizes as well.

Getting CE credits at UOR

All of the conference courses have CE credits, ranging from one to four hours. The registration packet that you receive at the beginning of the RDH Under One Roof conference contains a master sheet where you record every course that you attend. The course completion code is supplied at the end of every session. Record this number on the master sheet.

At the end of the conference, you'll turn in one copy of the master sheet. Keep the other copy in your personal CE file. Sometime during the following month, you'll receive an official letter from PennWell that gives the total number of credits you earned during UOR.

Keep in mind that CE requirements vary state by state. For example, Texas only recognizes courses that are scientific or technical and relate to clinical care. For example, the wonderful Thursday course on communication or my wrap-up program on ethical dilemmas would not qualify in Texas, but that should not stop you from considering either of those two events. The good news is there are plenty of courses to satisfy even the most picky CE state requirements!

What are you waiting for?

I always encourage dental hygienists from all over the country to put in an application for the Sunstar/RDH magazine Award of Distinction. So often, I hear hygienists say that they can't possibly apply for the award. Their excuses are just not good enough.

There are hygienists all over the country who are on fire about the dental hygiene profession. They are dedicated to helping people improve their lives through improved oral health. Sunstar is ready to treat eight more dental hygienists royally at this year's RDH Under One Roof conference. Are you ready for an experience of a lifetime?

If you have a passion for your profession, take the time to put your feelings down on paper and send your application in before March 31. If you've submitted before, dust off your old application, update your answers and let the folks at Sunstar and RDH know how passionate you are about our profession. Remember, you can't be honored if you don't apply!

Cutting costs: Finding a roommate

Lots of folks are on budgets and splitting the cost of a room is one way to do it. The most obvious solution to finding a roommate is to convince a friend to share a room. Why not invite a classmate that you haven't seen in ages to go to UOR? What about your best buddy that worked with you side-by-side at your very first practice or the one that moved 2,000 miles away?

Another creative source is posting a note on the www.amyrdh.com e-mail list. That might seem creepy at first, finding a roommate via an Internet group. But, trust me, this is a safe place to find some one to share expenses with. If you don't know about the group, it's in its tenth year and has over 4,000 members.

Along with being a great place to hang out, it is a great place to hook up with hygienists who are going to UOR. There is always lots of pre- and post-meeting discussions about the event and many members share rooms, flights, cab rides and dinner at every UOR. Now is the time to start looking. Good luck in finding the perfect person!

So many courses ... how do I choose?

Every year the course selection grows. Exciting new topics pop up, popular core subjects return, and 2008 is no different. The first thing to understand is the course format. General sessions are included in your conference registration. No tickets are required. You just select the topics that interest you and show up at the posted time. There are usually one or two general session courses in each time slot.

Small group presentations and hands-on workshops are learning environments that typically provided an in-depth focus on a new or niche topic. These sessions are perfect for those that prefer a more intimate learning environment or clinicians who love learning in a hands-on format.

It is easy to register for a small group presentation or hands-on workshop, but remember these are limited attendance events and tickets go fast. There is a small fee for these events in addition to the basic conference registration.

Will I Feel Out of Place if I Come Alone?

Karyn, every year, hygienists just like you worry about coming to the event alone. Without a doubt, UOR is the most friendly meeting that I have ever attended and I know that other regular attendees will agree with this.

Hygienists who come to UOR by themselves are within minutes surrounded by “new friends” from all over North America and parts beyond. I've seen this happen over and over again. You'll start connecting immediately at registration. You'll hook up with others at receptions, during courses, chat at breaks and meet new people at exhibit booths.

Hygienists who attend UOR are passionate about the profession and you know that passionate people tend to gravitate to each other. Your experience at UOR will be magical. I guarantee it! Coming to UOR will challenge you beyond your wildest expectations and you will leave with more energy and excitement about your profession than you ever dreamed. We're all looking forward to meeting you!

So much for one registration fee ...

The short answer: Companies support this event! Generous corporate contributions cover many conference perks such as lunches, receptions, convention bags, notebooks, conference CDs and coffee breaks.

PennWell and dozens of other companies believe in dental hygiene. These generous sponsors provide the necessary financial support that keeps conference fee at an affordable level for the practicing dental hygienist. Without sponsors and exhibitors, the current registration fee would be five or six times higher.

More and more companies are recognizing dental hygienists as savvy consumers and decision makers. They know we are discriminating continuing education participants and wise purchasers. Let's keep the raising the bar.

Schedule Time Off Now!

The lineup for the RDH Under One Roof Conference is nearly complete. Every day is full of wonderful general sessions, as well as exciting workshops and small group presentations, and you don't want to miss a moment just because you forgot to tell your clinical office that you won't be available.

At this point, the most important thing to consider is making sure you have blocked enough time out on your personal schedule to attend the entire event.

The conference is a full seven months away. Even if your clinical schedule books way in advance it is likely that most of you have an open schedule at this point. So don't delay any longer.And don't forget to schedule ample travel time so you'll be fresh and relaxed when UOR starts on Thursday morning!has grown enormously through the years. The conference has a reputation for providing quality continuing education in a relaxed atmosphere that focuses on personal and professional networking opportunities.

What's the dress code?

Actually, there isn’t one, unless you’re on the PennWell staff. You’ll see everything from casual to business attire.

Even though our nation’s capital is well known for hot, humid summer days, you’ll probably spend most of your time indoors at the Omni Hotel, so a business casual wardrobe is perfectly appropriate for this conference.

Comfort is the most important thing to remember when you’re selecting your UOR wardrobe. UOR events are big, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking between your room and conference events. Plan to wear comfortable shoes. Trendy, spike heels may look great but your feet will rebel.

If you get cold easily, plan to dress accordingly. In other words, keep a sweater handy and skip the shorts and sandals if you want to keep comfortable in the meeting rooms.

One last suggestion. Just before you finish packing, check the weather forecast for Washington, D.C., on a site like weather.com or accuweather.com for the most updated weather predictions.

Yes, there is free lunch!

Actually, there are two! The old saying there is no free lunch goes by the wayside at RDH Under One Roof. Every year several companies underwrite these mid-day events. Colgate sponsors this year’s Friday lunch break and SDS Orascoptic is treating us on Saturday.

These lunch events are fun. They save time and hassle, eliminating all of the guesswork about where to get a bite to eat. There is always a variety of good food so no one goes away hungry. It’s a sight to see 1,000 people laughing, talking, and eating lunch in one big room ringed with dozens and dozens of exhibitors.

The lunch break is a perfect time to catch your breath between courses, visit the exhibits, refuel your body with some great food, network with your buddies, and make new friends. Plan to join us on Friday and Saturday for another free lunch, a honored tradition at UOR.

Why Should I stay onsite?

Well the most obvious answer is this: You don’t want to miss anything! RDH Under One Roof is a total immersion experience.

The entire conference totally revolves around you, the dental hygiene professional. Every moment of the conference is jammed with courses, activities, receptions, lunches, exhibitor, and give-aways.

Staying on-site at the Omni Shoreham Hotel means that you can savor every fun, engaging moment of UOR. If you choose to stay elsewhere, any perceived dollar savings will be quickly eaten up by cab fares to the hotel or worse than that, you’ll waste precious time commuting and miss out on some fun.

Part of the charm and uniqueness of UOR is the conference energy. UOR is all about us! There’s no politics. There’s no jockeying to get exhibitors’ or lecturers’ attention because every event is focused on who we are and how we practice.