Obesity: What's the latest "Skinny"? (2 CEU)

with Deborah Horlak, RDH, MA & Paula Watson, RDHAP, MS

& UOP DH Student Table Clinics (1 CEU)

March 28, 2013

Obesity is on the rise and a major contributor to many chronic debilitating diseases that decrease life expectancy.  This program will provide an analysis of obesity’s contribution to chronic diseases including periodontal disease and its further impact on society as a whole. The presenters will describe strategies for patient interaction about obesity and how to make appropriate patient referrals.

Learning Outcomes:

Discuss the obesity epidemic

Analyze the contribution of obesity to chronic diseases

Explain the impact of obesity on society

Describe strategies for patient interaction & appropriate referral

 (Use audience response system “clickers”)

Deborah Horlak, RDH, MA

Deborah Horlak is currently the Director of the University of Pacific’s Dental Hygiene Program, as well as teaching faculty for Community Oral Health, Radiology and Medical & Dental Emergency Courses. In addition, she serves as the resource faculty guiding student Senior Project research. Deborah is working on a doctoral degree in Professional Education and Leadership.

Previously, Deborah was faculty at San Joaquin Valley College in Visalia, CA and Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Prior to a career in education, she worked for 23 years in general and pediatric clinical practice in Ohio. She spent one year as the Project Manager of a First 5 of California Pilot Project grant that promoted oral health education in the city of Stockton and preventive care in the university clinic.

She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, American Dental Education Association (Chair of the Cariology Section) and the California Dental Hygiene Educators’ Association. She has been a featured author and published in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, the Journal of Practical Hygiene and Inside Dental Assisting. Deborah is completing a year as the ADEA Colgate Palmolive Allied Dental Educators fellow with emphasis on emerging workforce models to improve access to preventive oral health care.

 Deborah has recently been involved in the Western Coalition for Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) and is dedicated to the integration of the important protocol into didactic and clinical practice. Her passion for education includes community service, treating patients with special needs and early childhood caries prevention and utilizing technology to deliver high quality education and patient treatment.

Paula Watson, RDHAP, MS

Paula is an Associate Professor of Periodontics and the Senior Clinic Coordinator at the University of the Pacific, Dental Hygiene Program.  Her responsibilities include that of Senior Clinic Coordinator, teaching Biochemistry and Nutrition, Pain Management, Senior Clinic Seminar, and co-teaching Junior Clinic Seminar and Dental Materials. 

Concurrently she maintains an alternative dental hygiene practice, Dental Hygiene Resources, which has provided the opportunity of performing oral health screenings for the Migrant Education Program serving children in Stanislaus and Merced counties.  She plans to expand the practice to include providing educational courses to both dental and non-dental healthcare professionals.

In addition to working in education and private practice, she is working toward a doctoral degree in Professional Education Leadership.   Paula has enjoyed presenting C.E. courses for study clubs in the area and has been published in the C.D.H.A. Journal, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, the Journal of Practical Hygiene, and Inside Dental Assisting.

Paula is a member of the California Dental Hygiene Association, American Dental Hygiene Association, California Dental Hygiene Educators Association, American Dental Educators Association, International Federation of Dental Educators and Associations, and the American Academy for Oral and Systemic Health.

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