OCDHS  Spring Seminar Series 2021

Saturday April 24 , 2021

The cost of Pneumonia World Wide in Lives and Money:

Is Oral Hygiene the Answer?

Cindy Kleiman BS, RDH

Webinar -  2 LIVE CE Credits

Title:  The cost of Pneumonia World Wide in Lives and Money: Is Oral Hygiene the Answer?

 Pneumonia can steal a life quickly! Patients dependent on others for oral care are at increased risk of pneumonia from aspiration of pathogenic oral bacteria. Can pneumonia be prevented with the power of a toothbrush? This course explores research by a dental hygienist and nurse practitioner to establish interdisciplinary oral care protocols to prevent pneumonia in high-risk populations.

Patients on life support may develop Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP), while others may develop a hospital-acquired pneumonia. Resulting mortality rates of roughly 20% in the US cost hospitals $40,000 per case, which is not reimbursable. Can RDHs save both lives and hospital costs?

Oral assessment guides and protocols will be detailed, along with evidence of significant disease reduction with interdisciplinary care. Incorporation of dental hygienists as members of multidisciplinary hospital teams will be examined. Potential for expansion of the protocol into other underserved populations will be explored.

Objectives:

• Review the morbidity, mortality, and costs of pneumonia worldwide and the connection to oral health.
• Define key components of a research-based, comprehensive institutional oral care protocol and the evidence for reducing pneumonia.
• Promote the value and synergy of working as an interdisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes.

About the Speaker: 

Cindy Kleiman RDH, BS is an international speaker who graduated with her RDH degree from the University of Pennsylvania.  She has spent her entire career working with the medically complex patients.  She began her career at Moss Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia, instilling in her a lifetime commitment to the special needs patient.  When she moved to Phoenix, she founded the dental department at Good Samaritan Hospital Rehabilitation Institute. 

Cindy became faculty at Phoenix College in 1987, teaching the treatment of bedridden patients in the “Homebound” program.  Cindy taught “Medical Histories and Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office” at the college for ten years.  She also provided clinical care at a Phoenix nursing facility for 18 years. Currently Cindy consults with hospital ICU nurses throughout the world on control of oral infection, which may lead to a deadly condition called ventilator associated pneumonia.

Cindy has published articles in both dental hygiene and nursing journals, including being a rare dental hygienist co-author in the prestigious American Journal of Critical Care. Cindy has been profiled in six national journals and has received five awards for providing unique care.

Cindy’s courses are informative yet informal; she interacts with her audience in a style that is engaging and enjoyable.  

Note: Payment is by credit card. Registration will close 2 days before the event.

•  Current CDHA (California) Members - $20 -  membership will be verified.
•  Non-members - $30            
•  DH students -    $10                                                    

Registration closes  Wednesday April 21  to allow time for sending ZOOM links and any course materials. 

*Your personal ZOOM login will be emailed to you the week of the event.*  Do not share your link. It is valid for one login only. 

Cancellation policy: In the event of an emergency credit may be given for a future event of the same pricing. You must contact Leslie prior to this event.

NOTE: ONLINE Registration closes April  21. 

NOTE: You do need to be logged-on the the webinar for  2 hours to earn 2 CE credit. No partial credits allowed. Please log on early in the event you have connectivity issues. Remain logged on until 11 am. The course survey will be emailed to you for completion.

CE slips will be emailed within 48 hours.

Contact: Leslie Howard-DeCamp RDH , OCDHS VP Education