2–3 or Full Day for associated CEU credits

Course Description:

Dental professionals continue to be at the highest risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to maintaining awkward prolonged positions and placing undue stress on their bodies. Frequently, the common areas discussed are related to the upper body. But in fact, the abnormal postures and seating positions can affect hips, legs and the feet/ankle, causing issues at work or play. This physical therapist-dental hygienist duo will provide important knowledge on common lower body injuries and disorders that the dental professional may encounter and more importantly, provide prevention strategies to keep you working pain-free!

  • Provide full body anatomical overview
  • Explain contributing factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
  • Review common MSD and how they can affect other joints in the chain
  • Discuss how posture affects the lower body
  • Provide prevention and early intervention strategies for the dental professional
  • Discuss dental instruments and dental equipment that may improve efficiency, enhance patient outcomes and assist with musculoskeletal health
Lancette VanGuilder, RDH, BS graduated with her dental hygiene degree from the University of South Dakota in 1995. For the two last decades, she has been actively involved in dental hygiene leadership and advocacy on the local, state and national level. She has expertise as dental hygiene faculty with public health programs, periodontics and local anesthesia. She has facilitated strategic planning, legislative efforts and leadership training for dental hygiene associations in 6 states on the west/pacific coast and has worked with legislators in Nevada and Washington DC on access to care issues. Lancette is a past president of the Nevada Dental Hygienists Association and is a past recipient of the Nevada Dental Hygienist of the Year award. On the national level, she recently served for 4 years on the board of directors for the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) and currently serves on the national ADHA Leadership Development Committee.

Currently, Lancette works as a clinician in private practice, in the corporate world as a professional educator, as a public health dental hygienist and is a member of the Premier Dental Professional Speaker Bureau. Lancette also launched a nonprofit school based oral health program in rural communities in northern Nevada in 2016. In this current school year alone, her program may reach over 10,000 students ranging from age 4 to age 20. She has the opportunity to work independently and provide all dental hygiene services to underserved populations with her Public Health Endorsement. Her experience in dental hygiene education, leadership and clinical practice has enabled her to develop CE courses that are relevant for the entire dental team.