2025 WVDHA FALL ANNUAL SESSION

Hosted by: BridgeValley Dental Hygiene Department

 

Saturday, October 18, 2025  – 8:00 am-4:00 pm 

BridgeValley Community and Technical College – Advanced Technology Center

1201 Science Park Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303 -- 

 

 

 

Schedule of Events and Course Details

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8:00-8:40: Registration and Breakfast, Vendors 

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8:40-8:45: Opening Remarks and Introduction – Madylin Hinkle, WVDHA President

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8:45-9:45: Integrating HPV Vaccination Education into Dental Practice as a Cancer Prevention Measure (1CEU)

Presented by: Dr. Lauren Wright, DSL, MPH, Mountains Of Hope Cancer Coalition

Course Description: Discussing HPV-related cancer rates in WV and how dental professionals can improve outcomes through education and collaboration.

Course Objectives:

1.  Communicate the importance of HPV vaccination in the prevention of oropharyngeal and other cancers.

2. Employ best practices related to HPV vaccination education in dental practices.

3.  Present an argument for the integration of HPV vaccination education into regular dental practice.

4. Provide WV-specific data related to HPV vaccination rates and HPV related cancers.

 

9:45-9:50: Break

 

9:50-11:50: HPV Education for the Dental Provider  (2CEU)

Presented by: Dr. Jerry Bouquot, DDS, MDS 

Course Description: The maxillofacial region hosts a wide range of HPV (human papillomavirus) lesions—some harmless, others serious or contagious—making it essential for dental professionals to recognize and manage them. HPV's role in oropharyngeal cancer now significantly affects prognosis and treatment, while prevention remains a national debate. This seminar provides a clinically focused review using virtual cases, covering lesion types, early diagnostic tools, cancer risk prediction, and the role of vaccines in HPV control.

Course Objectives:

1. Be aware of differences between the biological behaviors of different HPV oral lesions.

2. Be able to describe the clinical features and management of HPV oral lesions.

3. Be able to describe preventive and prognostic features of each type of HPV oral lesions.

4.  Be able to compare look-alike lesions with such lesions.

 

11:50-1:00: Lunch 

 

12:30-12:50: WVDHA Officer Installation Ceremony

Join us during lunch to congratulate our elected officers for the 2025-2027 term as well as committee members for the 2025-2026 term.

 

1:00-4:00: Evidence-Based Strategies for Clients Ready to Revoke Smoke, Kick Dip or Escape Vape (3 CEU) - (3CEU)

Presented by: M. Suann Gaydos, RDH, MSDH, NCTTP & Ashlee Sowards, RDH, MSDH, MA, NCTTP 

Course Description: Dental professionals are well-positioned to serve as sources of tobacco cessation support as the oral cavity displays the negative effects from tobacco use disorder.

Course Objectives:

1. Review the consequences from Tobacco Use Disorder on the oral cavity / overall health.

2. Discuss evidence-based cessation protocols that may be established in the dental setting.

3. Utilize nicotine dependence assessments to recommend and implement either mono or combination pharmacotherapy.

4. Apply pharmacotherapy and behavioral strategies during interactive case scenarios.

 

4:00: Conclusion and Closing Remarks – Madylin Hinkle, WVDHA President

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