Learning Objectives: 

• Review the critical role of the clinical dental hygienist in the 21^st century
• Evaluate how ‘The Messy Middle’ paves the way for leadership in oral health professionalism
• Identify the characteristics of ‘Syndicated Leadership’ that create lasting impact across the healthcare profession

Doctors, patients, and insurance companies, oh my! 

The pressures of the periodontal probe pale in comparison to the plaque-ridden, tardy, ‘no offense but I hate you’ pressures of the clinical dental hygienist in the 21^st century. 

We did not ask to be positioned as leaders within the practice, we did not ask to have our work stand up to insurance policies and we certainly did not ask to abridge our care for late patients or perform bloody bib prophies on patients with low dental IQ or be told we are ‘just’ a dental hygienist despite the immense education, training and hand skills required for our work… and yet, here we are.

Research continues to unpack the incredible importance of inflammatory management for generalized systemic health, airway management lends itself to occlusal and tethered oral tissues influencing general health and a renewed sense of vitality has empowered a nation of COVID-19 survivors to seek preventive healthcare.

While we may perhaps question the value and worth of our role within the healthcare profession, we must always remember that WE are the answer.  Join Katrina Sanders as she walks participants through a lively, interactive program focused on elevating the work of the mid-level oral health care provider.  Afterall, we aren’t ‘just’ the dental hygienist, and this is our opportunity to unite, elevate and reimagine how we show up, not only for our patients, but for ourselves.