South Dakota Dental Association Annual Session

May 15-17, 2025

Plan to join us for the 2025 SDDA Annual Session at The Monument in Rapid City, SD. 

REGISTRATION OPENS MID-MARCH 2025!

 

2024 Annual Session Speakers

Thursday, May 16, 2024

James Beck is a transformative culture change leader, inspirational pay-it-forward speaker, and the founder of Give Beck: Live By Giving. With a remarkable journey that involved giving away all his possessions, James embarked on a mission to serve someone in every state across the nation. This social experiment sparked an extraordinary chain reaction of kindness as he inspired those he served to pay it forward. Through his impactful presentations, James motivates individuals to embrace a life of giving, unveiling the profound connection between a “service mindset” and true happiness, as well as fulfilling relationships. His teachings extend beyond personal fulfillment, demonstrating how incorporating service into the workplace can elevate sales, enhance business performance, and transform a corporate culture into a harmonious and cooperative community. James Beck is dedicated to empowering others to create positive change by harnessing the transformative power of kindness and service.
https://www.givebeck.com/

Keynote Address: “Experience the Power of Kindness, Gratitude, and Paying-It-Forward”
8am-9am
CE Hours: 1 Practice Management
                                                                                                                                            

Francisco Ramos-Gomez, DDS, MS, MPH Dr. Ramos-Gomez is a professor in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and currently he serves as Chair of the Division of Preventive and Restorative Oral Health Sciences at the School of Dentistry and the Executive Director for the UCLA Center for Children’s Oral Health. He has dual specialty degrees and training in Pediatric Dentistry from Tufts University and in Public Health Dentistry from Harvard University and UCSF. After 17 years at UCSF, Dr. Ramos-Gomez joined the UCLA school of Dentistry as a faculty member in 2008. He has been a pediatric dentist for more than thirty-eight years with specific focus and research in the areas of early childhood caries (ECC) prevention, oral disease risk assessment, and community health with an emphasis on underserved and vulnerable populations. In addition to clinically based interventions, Dr. Ramos-Gomez conceptualized and co-founded the Center to Address Disparities in Children’s Oral Health to identify the cultural, environmental, workforce, behavioral, and biologic factors associated with health disparities among ethnic/racial groups in order to enhance health professionals’ ability to target children likely to be at risk for dental caries. He is a renowned and recognized national and international speaker on Minimally Invasive Pediatric Dentistry, on innovative community-based participatory research on caries prevention and on effective strategies to reduce oral health disparities. Dr. Ramos-Gomez is a proponent advocate to position children’s oral health as an issue of “Equity Human Rights and Social Justice.” https://dentistry.ucla.edu/profile/ramos-gomez-francisco

"Infant Oral Care, CAMBRA and Minimally Invasive Pediatric Dentistry"
9:30 am to Noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
CE Hours: 2.5 Academic or Clinical (AM) and 3 Academic or Clinical (PM)
Description: There is an increasing trend toward providing dental care to children before the age of three. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Pediatrics currently recommend that children receive their first dental evaluation within the first year of life. This change in attitude allows for early dental intervention with pregnant women, infants and parents to determine a risk status based on parental information. Dentists are able to perform a screening risk assessment and examination of infants’ mouths.(1) Early care provides an opportunity to educate and inform parents about their children’s oral health. Anticipatory guidance/counseling for children’s dental health is an important part of preventive care, and may be the most effective way to prevent problems that traditional infectious-disease surgical models have failed to address, such as early childhood caries (ECC). (2) The use of anti-bacterials and other remineralizing treatments like fluoride varnish, when added to caregiver counseling (Anticipatory Guidance), has proven to be effective prevention strategies in reducing ECC incidence in young children. Fluoride Varnish efficacy in this age group provides additional rationale for an early dental visit, especially for children in high caries-risk groups.(3) The model of anticipatory care guidance is valuable for general dentists and dental auxiliaries because its emphasis is preventive rather than restorative care. A comprehensive perinatal and infant oral care program utilizes 1) risk assessments at regularly scheduled dental visits; 2) counseling sessions with parents during either regular dental visits or additional visits scheduled if a child is deemed at risk; 3) preventive treatment such as the application of fluoride varnish or sealants; and 4) outreach and incentives to reinforce attendance. (4) Outreach to pregnant women through prenatal programs also effectively improves infant oral health. Facilitating access to early and regular dental care is a crucial part of any effective intervention strategy, and intervention techniques should be tailored to the community being served.

6-Step Handout

Implementation of Program

Oral Health Literacy Framework Handout

Pediatric CAMBRA Protocols

                                                                                                                                          

Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, MBA brings 50+ years of experience in dentistry to the team. She is a Certified Dental Assistant, and a Registered Dental Hygienist, with experience in general and specialty practices both clinically and as an administrator. She has focused on speaking and consulting with dental team on infection prevention, OSHA compliance, HIPPA compliance, ergonomics, chairside efficiency, and team communication and development. Mary has published numerous articles in professional journals. Her latest collaboration is with several of her colleagues as The Compliance Divas, presenting weekly podcasts on topics affecting dentistry. https://www.marygovoni.com/

"Ergonomics in Dentistry - Self Care for the Dental Team"
9:30 am-Noon
CE Hours: 2.5 Practice Management
Description: We talk to our patients about the importance of preventing oral disease, and yet we don’t take enough time to put our own words into practice when it comes to prevention of ergonomic injuries. Are you sacrificing your body to care for your patients? Pain, numbness, and the eventual physical toll of working chairside can end careers prematurely – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Putting ergonomic principles into practice can protect your body today and your livelihood tomorrow. This course offers the entire dental team an introduction to ergonomics and the risk factors that may cause work-related musculoskeletal injuries. From the front desk to treatment rooms, the program focuses on creating a healthy work environment for the team through posture, workplace design, equipment selection, positioning, and increased visibility within the oral cavity. When the team can work in their most comfortable environment, they can deliver optimal care to their patients.


"What's New with OSHA, CDC, & Infection Prevention and Control?"
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
CE Hours: 2 Academic or Clinical
Description: OSHA required that employees in dental practices participate in annual safety training, which includes general workplace safety, bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, hazardous waste compliance requirements and any additional information that is pertinent to current infection prevention recommendations. This course will enable participants to review their safety protocols and make any necessary updates.

                                                                                                                                            

Delta Dental Representatives
"Demystifying Medicaid, Medicare, & More"
9:30am - 10:30am
CE Hours: 1.5 Practice Management

Description: Government programs like SD Medicaid, Medicare, and Indian Health Service make it possible for a large percentage of the population to access preventive and restorative dental care. People with coverage are twice as likely to visit the dentist, so government programs make it easier for dental offices to serve a representative cross section of the community. Understanding the purpose and structure of each program is crucial to the success of seamlessly incorporating government programs into your office. 
                                                                                                                                            

Catelyn Reimnitz, MA is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Helpline Center. Tehra Nelson, MSW, CSW, is the Mental Health Training Coordinator at the Helpline Center. Their work focuses on survivors of suicide loss, meaning those who have lost a loved one to suicide. QPR training stands for question, persuade, refer, and it will look at the three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. https://www.helplinecenter.org/

"QPR Suicide Prevention Training"
10:30 am - Noon
CE Hours: 1.5 Practice Management
Note: 30 person maximum
Description: To save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. About: QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
                                                                                                                                            

Mary Wolf, LPC-MH, BCC is the president of Veritee Partners LLC, a coaching and consulting business designed to promote wellbeing and success for dentists, physicians, executives, and the companies they serve. Veritee Partners offers assessments and consultation to build wellbeing programs and cultures. Mary was the Program Director for the Avera Medical Group LIGHT Program, an award-winning wellbeing program for physicians and advanced practice providers. Before creating LIGHT, Mary was the director of multiple behavioral health programs at Avera including employee assistance program-EAP, addiction recovery, outpatient mental health, and day hospital. Mary earned a master’s degree in counseling and human resource development and is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health.  Mary is a Board-Certified Coach and holds certifications in executive, life, and spirituality coaching. https://veriteepartners.com/something-about-mary/

"Be Your Own Life Coach"
Noon to 1:30 pm (Be Well Lunch)
CE Hours: 1.5 Practice Management
Cost: $25.00 per person
Description: Attend this hands-on momentum building session to get your life back on track and going in the direction of your best life. Learn the proven Veritee Truth process to bring about the small shifts that can make a big difference. Find out how to continue working on your coaching goals with Mary Wolf, MS, LPC-MH through the SD Dental Association's Be Well Program. 1-Identify what needs to shift in your life to be more meaningful and fulfilling. 2-Build a strategy to attain more of what you want. 3- Learn how the SD Dental Association Be Well services can help you with your personal and professional goals.

Be Well Flyer

Values Handout

Truth Wheel
                                                                                                                                            

Tracy Palecek, NCC, LPC, QMHP is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Human Services professional who has a passion for helping those who are facing adversity.  Tracy has over 20 years of experience working with trauma, poverty, and resiliency in those she has served.  She has served as an advocate, program developer, disaster relief responder, community trainer, mental health therapist and mentor.  She loves to work within systems to create change and help people find meaning and purpose in their lives.  She is the CEO and Owner of Palecek Therapy & Consulting and is blessed to spend her time between her therapy practice, public speaking, and consulting in areas of mental wellness, poverty reduction, and interpersonal skill building. https://www.palecektherapy.com/

"Reframe Up-Anti Burnout"
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
CE Hours: 2 Practice Management
Description: This presentation focuses on the latest research in the areas of burnout and stress relief. You will learn Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to actually reframe your thoughts (to change how you feel!) around difficult situations, clients and even co-workers. We will also explore some new and exciting ways to keep yourself healthy to work in the helping field. Renew yourself and continue to work with purpose and joy!

RAIN & STOP Handout

Stephanie Larscheid has served as Executive Director of Prairie Family Business Association for seven years. She has a proven record of building relationships with members and developing programs that add value to family businesses. Stephanie earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University Ivy College of Business and an MBA from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business. https://fambus.org/

"Keeping the Business in the Family"
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
CE Hours: 1.5 Practice Management
Description: Here’s how to have a successful succession. You’ve grown and built your business over years or decades, what’s next? We’ll talk about the next generation of your business, including steps and processes to transfer ownership. We’ll talk about how to best communicate about the next stage of business and life, to family, employees, and patients. Join this discussion about creating a meaningful succession, whether you are stepping away from the business or deeper into the business.

                                                                                                                                            

Sundeep Alapati, DO is a head and neck surgeon with expertise in treating head and neck cancers. He offers clear explanations to each patient to calm their anxiety regarding conditions and treatment options.

“Updates on Oral Cavity Cancer”
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
CE Hours: 1 Academic or Clinical
Description:  
The general dental practitioner plays a critical role in oral cancer awareness, screening, and diagnosis. Dentistry is also involved in treating the long-term dental side effects of treatment for the head and neck cancer. The following talk is a summary of the longitudinal role of dentistry in head and neck cancer and an update on the management of oral cavity cancer. 


Friday, May 17, 2024

Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, MBA brings 50+ years of experience in dentistry to the team. She is a Certified Dental Assistant, and a Registered Dental Hygienist, with experience in general and specialty practices both clinically and as an administrator. She has focused on speaking and consulting with dental team on infection prevention, OSHA compliance, HIPPA compliance, ergonomics, chairside efficiency, and team communication and development. Mary has published numerous articles in professional journals. Her latest collaboration is with several of her colleagues as The Compliance Divas, presenting weekly podcasts on topics affecting dentistry. https://www.marygovoni.com/

Dental Assistants: Become a Super Star on Your Team”
8:00 am to 11:00 am
CE Hours: 3 Practice Management
Description: As a dental assistant, have you ever been frustrated by your role in the dental office? Too often assistants feel led out of the loop, ignored by meeting and trade show exhibitors, perceived by doctors as “overhead” rather than valued producers. It’s time for dental assistants to feel, value, and take pride in their contributions to excellence in patient care and the success of the practice. This high energy presentation uses lecture, participation, and technology demonstrations to explore the many ways that dental assistants can enhance the productivity and success of a dental practice while simultaneously increasing their personal and professional satisfaction and engagement.
                                                                                                                                            

“Poverty Escape Room”
10:00 am-Noon
CE Hours: 2 Practice Management
Description: The Poverty Escape Room isn’t a traditional simulation. More and more groups are asking for a smaller group training to experience an understanding of the crisis of poverty. We all know you can’t truly “escape” poverty in 30 minutes, but could you survive a day in the life of someone in the crisis of poverty? Participants experience a mere taste of what a day is like for an individual who lives in poverty. You will be asked to complete several important tasks while strapped for cash, time, and resources. How will you navigate it all? What happens when you run into challenges and obstacles? The hope is to bring awareness to how poverty impacts those we work with on a daily basis. We want to begin the conversation around supports we can offer to people, and gain some understanding around what the reality is for many.
                                                                                                                                            

 

Tracy Palecek, NCC, LPC, QMHP is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Human Services professional who has a passion for helping those who are facing adversity.  Tracy has over 20 years of experience working with trauma, poverty, and resiliency in those she has served.  She has served as an advocate, program developer, disaster relief responder, community trainer, mental health therapist and mentor.  She loves to work within systems to create change and help people find meaning and purpose in their lives.  She is the CEO and Owner of Palecek Therapy & Consulting and is blessed to spend her time between her therapy practice, public speaking, and consulting in areas of mental wellness, poverty reduction, and interpersonal skill building. https://www.palecektherapy.com/

“Poverty 101”
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
CE Hours: 2 Practice Management
Description: Following the Poverty Escape Room on Friday morning, we encourage you to join us as we delve into the dynamics of poverty in our communities. We will look at the definitions of poverty, the stereotypes, and the most common barriers that people face. We will discuss how brain science and crisis living impact individuals and families and make it difficult to navigate middle class systems. Finally, we will look at research-based methods for helping those struggling in the crisis of poverty including social bridging and intense mentoring practices. 

Poverty Realities in SD Handout
                                                                                                                                            

 

Dr. Gregory Bennett is an Associate Professor and Interim Department Chair of Adult Restorative Dentistry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. He is originally from the West Coast and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2010 from the Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Dentistry and followed on with a General Practice Residency at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. Dr. Bennett served in the US Navy as a Dental Corps officer for over 5 years with time spent in California, Mississippi, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Hawaii. Dr. Bennett also performs research on dental technology with a focus on 3D printing.

8:00am-11:00am: “Getting Started with Digital Dentures” 3 hrs Academic/ Clinical

This course will cover the what, the how, and the why of digital dentures with a strong focus on the ample scientific evidence and rationale for their use. Various clinical techniques will be discussed, along with material options, fabrication types and how to implement them in your practice to improve efficiency and lead to positive patient outcomes.

1:00pm-4:00pm: “Digital Dentistry Today and Tomorrow” 3 hrs. Academic/Clinical

An overview of the currently available technology used in dentistry with a focus on materials, technology, applications and clinical uses of technology including 3D printing, milling and digital scanners.

                                                                                                                                            

Dr. Garry Bey, DDS, Specialty Certificate in Endodontics. Dr. Garry Bey is in private practice in New York and New Jersey specializing in endodontics. He graduated from Syracuse University with a B.S. in biology. He received his D.D.S. degree and completed his endodontic residency training in endodontics at the NYU College of Dentistry. Dr. Bey lectures both nationally and internationally and has conducted classes with dentists from over 30 countries. He is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association and he is a Past President of the Rockland County Dental Society.
“Successful Single Visit Endodontics on Both Vital and Non-Vital Teeth”
8:30am-11:30am and 1:00pm to 4:00pm
CE Hours: 6 hrs. Academic or Clinical (Audience: Dentists)
Description: Dr Garry Bey teaches a technique for performing root canals in one visit with greater success thamulti-visit procedure for both vital and non-vital teeth. The advantages of single visit endodontics are many, including less postoperative pain, fewer emergency visits and greater patient satisfaction. Endodontic diagnosis, CBCT in endodontics, case selection, quick and effective anesthesia, working length determination, the creation of a glide path, the management of curved and calcified canals, instruments for more complicated cases, how to save cracked teeth and more will be discussed. Advanced nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation techniques will be included. Safe and efficient root canal irrigation is of the utmost importance for the success of root canal therapy. Effective root canal disinfection using apical negative pressure irrigation will be explained. Control the bacteria, and you control the case! Obturation using the continuous wave of condensation technique with a cordless three-dimensional operation system will be shown. Obturation without the frustration! 
                                                                                                                                            

Carissa Regnerus, RDH, MA Carissa began her career as an educator at USD Dental Hygiene in 2001. She teaches courses in Local Anesthesia, Dental Materials, Nutrition, Embryology/Histology, Community Dentistry, and serves as the department’s Interprofessional Education champion. Carissa has served on several medical missions including two trips to Guatemala. She assists students with their clinical radiographs and has assisted in several radiology certification courses.

“Radiology-Current Best Practices”
8:00 am-10:00 am
CE Hours: 2 Radiology
Description: Following the presentation, participants will be able to identify radiation safety measures and recognize why it is important to adhere to them. They will also be able to recognize common errors in radiology and identify ways to prevent and/or troubleshoot them. Additionally, we will discuss the evolution of dental radiology and what the future trends are.
                                                                                                                                         

Community Health Worker Panel

  • Ben Tiensvold, Community Health Outreach Coordinator, Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota (CHWSD)
  • Cori Jacobson, Oral Health Education Coordinator, Delta Dental of South Dakota
  • Pamm Hoben, Administrator, Black Hills Pediatric Dentistry
  • Erin Novotny, Community Health Work, Black Hills Pediatric Dentistry
  • Dr. Kari Bolen, DDS, Custer Dental Studio
  • Christy Achterhof, Dental Assistant and Community Health Worker, Custer Dental Studio

https://chwsd.org/

“Community Health Workers: Increasing Access and Addressing Social Determinants of Health Need to Improve Oral Health Care.”
8:00 am-10:00 am
CE Hours: 2 Practice Management
Description:  
Learn more about South Dakota's developing Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce and the impacts that CHW have on increasing access to care to improve oral health care and to address social determinants of health. A CHW is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. As a reimbursable service through South Dakota Medicaid, CHWs in South Dakota are not only making a huge impact on improving patient outcomes, but also securing significant reimbursement to offset program expenses. 
                                                                                                                                         

Rick Ritt, BS, MA, EMT Paramedic, has been passionately focused in healthcare in a variety of settings, i.e. clinical, educational, service, and sales. As a paramedic for over 40 years, (13 as Paramedic Officer with the Chicago Fire Dept.), Rick has a vast foundation of acute critical care experience. Simultaneously, Rick has an extensive training history, for 20 years he directed the second largest American Heart Association CTC in the country. He is personally responsible for training over 170,000 students in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. His AHA Instructor history includes Instructor – Trainer Status in BLS (44yrs.), ACLS (42 yrs.), PALS, (35yrs.). Also, his educational accomplishments include a BS degree from SIU, and dual MA degrees in Health Services Management and Business Administration from Webster University. In addition, Rick developed a great understanding of equipment/ service by establishing a parts and service distributorship with Laerdal, servicing Laerdal equipment in 10 Midwestern states for over 10 years. In 1998 his company was acquired, where he served as National Education Director and Regional Manager. Rick first came to Laerdal 20 years ago serving as a Hospital Account Manager. For 14 years Rick pioneered the NY Laerdal Education Team and has been instrumental in the successful establishment, design, management, consulting and training of over 800 Simulation Sites in the US and Canada. In 2014, due to Rick’s extensive involvement in all areas of Dental Simulation he established Dental Simulation Specialists Inc. to serve the growing need to increase awareness, patient safety and outcomes in the dental office. Since 2014 Rick has also been a contributor to ABOMS section 4 exam.  In May of 2017 he published in the OMS Journal of North America “Simulation Training for the Office Based Anesthesia Team”. In 2010 he was awarded The ADSA’s Peter H. Jacobson Distinguished Service Award for his contributions in dentistry. http://dentalsimulationspecialists.com/presenter.html

“CPR”
9:00 am-Noon
CE Hours:3 CPR
Description: This course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). 
Note: 15 person maximum

“Anesthesia Emergency Management for the Dental Team”
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
CE Hours: 3 Academic or Clinical/Anesthesia
Description: This unique and challenging program provides a didactic and hands-on clinical simulation experience that addresses the proper assessment and management of patient complications associated with minimal to moderate sedation. This course will explore simulations for the dental team as a method to improve patient safety and outcomes. A variety of case studies will be presented where you will be engaged interactively to determine critical decisions and therapies for those patients. A look at In- Situ Simulation, its importance, frequency and effects will be reviewed. Lastly, participants will be given the opportunity to participate and demonstrate the appropriate patient management with a variety of hands-on simulations with Sim Man. 
Note: 15 person maximum

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Emily Lanzel, DDS, MS received her DDS degree (2012) and MS degree in Oral Pathology (2015) from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She has been a faculty member in the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine at the University of Iowa since 2015.  Her current professional memberships include: Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Member of the American Dental Association. https://dentistry.uiowa.edu/directory/emily-lanzel

“Common Oral Lesions and Management”
8:00 am-11:00am
CE Hours: 3 Academic or Clinical
Description: This course will cover common oral lesions and how to manage them in a general dentistry setting. It will be presented in a case presentation style. Specific lesions and number of lesions to be covered will be tailored to the target group as determined by interests and available time.  At the end of this course the participant will be able to better diagnose and manage some common oral lesions.

HANDOUTS
                                                                                                                                    

 

Patient Care Agreement Panel:
"Patient Care Agreements: Retain Patients & Grow Your Practice"
8:00am-10:00am
CE Hours: 1 Practice Management
Description: 
Learn how to design and administer an in-office membership program that works for your office and your patients. A panel, including dental office administrators, a “plan” vendor and SDDA’s legal counsel, will explore the variations in program design and function including compliance with South Dakota’s Primary Care Agreement Law.
                                                                                                                                            

Rick Ritt, BS, MA, EMT Paramedic, has been passionately focused in healthcare in a variety of settings, i.e. clinical, educational, service, and sales. As a paramedic for over 40 years, (13 as Paramedic Officer with the Chicago Fire Dept.), Rick has a vast foundation of acute critical care experience. Simultaneously, Rick has an extensive training history, for 20 years he directed the second largest American Heart Association CTC in the country. He is personally responsible for training over 170,000 students in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. His AHA Instructor history includes Instructor – Trainer Status in BLS (44yrs.), ACLS (42 yrs.), PALS, (35yrs.). Also, his educational accomplishments include a BS degree from SIU, and dual MA degrees in Health Services Management and Business Administration from Webster University. In addition, Rick developed a great understanding of equipment/ service by establishing a parts and service distributorship with Laerdal, servicing Laerdal equipment in 10 Midwestern states for over 10 years. In 1998 his company was acquired, where he served as National Education Director and Regional Manager. Rick first came to Laerdal 20 years ago serving as a Hospital Account Manager. For 14 years Rick pioneered the NY Laerdal Education Team and has been instrumental in the successful establishment, design, management, consulting and training of over 800 Simulation Sites in the US and Canada. In 2014, due to Rick’s extensive involvement in all areas of Dental Simulation he established Dental Simulation Specialists Inc. to serve the growing need to increase awareness, patient safety and outcomes in the dental office. Since 2014 Rick has also been a contributor to ABOMS section 4 exam.  In May of 2017 he published in the OMS Journal of North America “Simulation Training for the Office Based Anesthesia Team”. In 2010 he was awarded The ADSA’s Peter H. Jacobson Distinguished Service Award for his contributions in dentistry. http://dentalsimulationspecialists.com/presenter.html

“Anesthesia Emergency Management for the Dental Team”
8:30am-11:30am
CE Hours: 3 Academic or Clinical/Anesthesia
Description: 
This unique and challenging program provides a didactic and hands-on clinical simulation experience that addresses the proper assessment and management of patient complications associated with minimal to moderate sedation. This course will explore simulations for the dental team as a method to improve patient safety and outcomes. A variety of case studies will be presented where you will be engaged interactively to determine critical decisions and therapies for those patients. A look at In- Situ Simulation, its importance, frequency and effects will be reviewed. Lastly, participants will be given the opportunity to participate and demonstrate the appropriate patient management with a variety of hands-on simulations with Sim Man. 
Note: 15 person maximum
                                                                                                                                            

Nathan Phillips, DDS, OMS Oral surgeon at Oral Surgery & Implant Specialists in Dakota Dunes; Serves on medical staffs at Unity Point-St. Luke’s, Mercy Medical Center, and the Siouxland Surgery Center.
Rick Ritt with Dental Simulation Specialists, Inc. will be joining Dr. Phillips for the afternoon portion of this session.

“Sedation & Anesthesia Monitoring in the Dental Practice”
 8am to 5pm
CE Hours: 8 Academic or Clinical
Note: $650.00 per person to attend (Lunch Provided)
30 person maximum
Description: This eight-hour seminar covers the general principles of patient care during mild, moderate, and deep sedation. The content is designed for auxiliary healthcare provides and includes preoperative assessment, pharmacology, management of pediatric patients, geriatric patients, and management of complications.

(This course has been approved by the SD Board of Dentistry for the purpose of obtaining a permit to monitor patients under anesthesia or sedation.)

 

2024 Annual Session Handouts