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2026 Dental Hygiene Symposium

Saturday, November 07, 2026
09:00 a.m. - 04:00 p.m.

Add to Calendar 2026-11-07 09:00:00 2026-11-07 16:00:00 2026 Dental Hygiene Symposium Martha McComas, RDH, MSAdvances in Local Anesthesia and Pain Management StrategiesThis engaging and practical lecture explores the latest updates in local anesthetic agents, contemporary pain management strategies and effective injection techniques for maxillary and mandibular procedures. Participants will strengthen their understanding of foundational principles in pain control, anatomy and physiology while gaining practical instruction to enhance everyday clinical success. The course also introduces alternative techniques designed to improve outcomes for patients with challenging anesthesia needs.You Will LearnTo recognize the indications and contraindications for various local anesthetic agents in dental proceduresTo review maxillary and mandibular injections for improved accuracy and patient comfortTo explain the anatomical and physiological basis behind dental pain and its managementTo utilize alternative injection techniques and agents for patients with special considerationsTo identify alternative pain management without the use of opioidsTo manage nitrous oxide-oxygen sedationCurrent Concepts in Caries Management by Risk AssessmentDuring this lecture, Ms. McComas will present a contemporary approach to caries management, focusing on risk assessment and evidence-based, non-surgical interventions. Participants will learn to evaluate caries risk in both adult and pediatric patients, develop individualized preventive strategies and understand and strengthen the dental hygienist’s pivotal role in caries managementYou Will LearnTo conduct comprehensive caries risk assessments for diverse patient populationsTo understand ICDAS caries detection and evaluation of activityTo develop individualized non-surgical caries management and prevention strategies for adults and childrenTo integrate current evidence-based protocols for caries management within the dental teamTo demonstrate the dental hygienist’s role in patient education, risk reduction and ongoing caries preventionWho Should AttendThis symposium is designed for dental hygienists, dentists and other allied dental professionals.Tuition: $215 Allied Dental Professionals; $325 Dentists; $185 CDHA members Program: 9:00 am – 4:00 pmLocation: Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, 155 Fifth Street, SFCredits: This activity is designated for 6 units of continuing education credit.Symposium includes lunch and morning coffee/tea service. PresenterMartha McComas, RDH, MS, is an accomplished educator and leader in interprofessional health care, currently serving as director of interprofessional education at University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She received her associate of science in dental hygiene from Indiana University in 2002, followed by a bachelor of arts and a master of science degree in dental hygiene from University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. She has more than two decades of experience in dental hygiene education and clinical practice. Ms. McComas is dedicated to advancing team-based, patient-centered care through innovative interprofessional education (IPE). She founded the Dental Navigator program, collaborating with emergency medicine and social services to improve oral health care for the underserved. She is an active member of the University of Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education, the National CAMBRA Coalition and the American Academy of Cariology, and contributes to the American Dental Education Association. 155 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry America/Los_Angeles public

Martha McComas, RDH, MS

Advances in Local Anesthesia and Pain Management Strategies

This engaging and practical lecture explores the latest updates in local anesthetic agents, contemporary pain management strategies and effective injection techniques for maxillary and mandibular procedures. Participants will strengthen their understanding of foundational principles in pain control, anatomy and physiology while gaining practical instruction to enhance everyday clinical success. The course also introduces alternative techniques designed to improve outcomes for patients with challenging anesthesia needs.

You Will Learn

To recognize the indications and contraindications for various local anesthetic agents in dental procedures
To review maxillary and mandibular injections for improved accuracy and patient comfort
To explain the anatomical and physiological basis behind dental pain and its management
To utilize alternative injection techniques and agents for patients with special considerations
To identify alternative pain management without the use of opioids
To manage nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation

Current Concepts in Caries Management by Risk Assessment

During this lecture, Ms. McComas will present a contemporary approach to caries management, focusing on risk assessment and evidence-based, non-surgical interventions. Participants will learn to evaluate caries risk in both adult and pediatric patients, develop individualized preventive strategies and understand and strengthen the dental hygienist’s pivotal role in caries management

You Will Learn

To conduct comprehensive caries risk assessments for diverse patient populations
To understand ICDAS caries detection and evaluation of activity
To develop individualized non-surgical caries management and prevention strategies for adults and children
To integrate current evidence-based protocols for caries management within the dental team
To demonstrate the dental hygienist’s role in patient education, risk reduction and ongoing caries prevention

Who Should Attend
This symposium is designed for dental hygienists, dentists and other allied dental professionals.

Tuition: $215 Allied Dental Professionals; $325 Dentists; $185 CDHA members
Program: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, 155 Fifth Street, SF
Credits: This activity is designated for 6 units of continuing education credit.

Symposium includes lunch and morning coffee/tea service.

Presenter

Martha McComas, RDH, MS, is an accomplished educator and leader in interprofessional health care, currently serving as director of interprofessional education at University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She received her associate of science in dental hygiene from Indiana University in 2002, followed by a bachelor of arts and a master of science degree in dental hygiene from University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. She has more than two decades of experience in dental hygiene education and clinical practice. Ms. McComas is dedicated to advancing team-based, patient-centered care through innovative interprofessional education (IPE). She founded the Dental Navigator program, collaborating with emergency medicine and social services to improve oral health care for the underserved. She is an active member of the University of Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education, the National CAMBRA Coalition and the American Academy of Cariology, and contributes to the American Dental Education Association.