Health Screening Program returns for 2009 session
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Posted March 13, 2009 |
By Jennifer Garvin One of annual session's most popular features is back and this time, there's no waiting in line.
 The ADA Foundation Health Screening Program marks its return at this year's annual session in Honolulu. The new and improved version of the program is open to all clinical dental staff and is available by appointment only. This year's HSP also features complimentary medical screenings and for the first time, will offer continuing education credit on how to screen for medical conditions in a dental setting.
Unlike previous annual sessions, no walk-in appointments are available this year. Advance appointments were such a success at the ADA annual session in San Francisco in 2007, that the Association decided to streamline the process by scheduling all appointments online, beginning March 31.
| Appointments now required for Health Screening Program at annual session
Space is limited for this year's Health Screening Program and appointments can only be scheduled in advance.
Beginning March 31, dentists and their staff may begin scheduling their appointments online when they register for continuing education courses. The HSP will be held from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 1-3 in the Hibiscus Ballroom 1 at the Ala Moana Hotel, located near the Hawaii Convention Center.
The Health Screening Program is underwritten by the ADA Foundation through lead sponsorship from the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. and generous support from other corporate sponsors. |
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"The Health Screening Program is one of the best health benefits of annual session," says Dr. Daniel Meyer, senior vice president, Science/Professional Affairs. "Not only do participants receive a free screening worth hundreds of dollars, but the results benefit dental professionals everywhere."
To update the program, the ADA Division of Science staff worked with scientists from government, academia and the dental industry to help develop a vision of the retooled science program. The HSP's ultimate mission is to make the dental office safer for dental professionals and their patients and to expand scientific knowledge.
"Protecting the health of members of the dental team and our patients while advancing knowledge and awareness of oral medicine are essential ingredients of the annual Health Screening Program," said Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni, ADAF president. "No other organization is better-positioned or invested in such important educational and research activities."
Since 1964, the HSP has worked to make the dental office safer for dentists and patients. More than just complimentary medical screenings, the program has evolved into a cutting-edge research program that now boasts the largest national database on the health of dental professionals. Its data has also been used as the basis for infection control policies, standard precautions, amalgam safety, latex sensitivity and bloodborne pathogens. More than 60,000 dental professionals have participated over the years, enabling researchers to publish more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and ultimately leading to improvements in the health and safety of the dental team and its patients.
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