2025 Individualized Dental Care - Thinking Outside the Box
FREE two-day in-person CE course
Course Description
This is a FREE two-day in-person continuing education course offered to dental professionals to update their knowledge in dental care for people with unique physical, intellectual, or medical needs. Matthew R. Cooke, DDS, MD, MPH, will present the most current clinical information and interactive case-based discussions regarding effective and safe levels of dental care for all individuals regardless of their specific needs. Topics to be addressed include treatment planning to address risk vs. benefit, behavior guidance techniques, syndromes, conditions with orofacial manifestations, ethics, advocacy, and trends in dentistry, and integration of more patients into your practice. Kami A. Piscitelli, BSDH, RDH, VA Department of Health Individuals with Special Health Care Needs Oral Health Coordinator, will also provide a presentation with tips and tricks for making dental visits easier for some patients, and hygiene adaptations for people with home care challenges.
The course is tailored to an audience of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and senior dental/hygiene students. No prior skill level or knowledge other than previous basic dental knowledge is required. Teaching methods include lecture and audience engagement. This course will not be offered online or recorded.
The speakers have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the need for three components of treatment planning: Medical, Dental/Surgical, Behavioral.
- Identify at least one reason for determining risk-versus-benefit while treatment planning.
- Identify two behavior guidance techniques and their advantages/disadvantages.
- Discuss a few conditions/syndromes with craniofacial manifestations.
- Recognize the need for the entire dental team’s involvement when treating patients.
- Point out a few clinical tips or hygiene tool modifications for patients with unique challenges.
In-Person Course Agenda
Primary Speaker: Matthew R. Cooke, DDS, MD, MPH
Note: Due to federal funding for this project no food or drink will be provided. Please arrange to bring your own coffee, other drinks, snacks, and/or meals.
*First Day
9:00- 9:15 a.m. Sign-in
9:15 - 9:45 a.m. Introductions and Opening Discussion
9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Scope of the Issue and Case Management
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Treatment Discussions Related to Patient Cases
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch on your own or Bring a bag lunch
1:30 - 4:45 p.m. Dentistry Tailored to Individual Needs
4:45 - 5:00 p.m. Questions, Closing Remarks, and Friday Course Evaluation
*Second Day
8:45 - 9:00 a.m. Sign-in Again
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Unique Approaches for Individual Patient Needs
10:20 - 10:50 a.m. VCU Case Presentation and Discussion with Dr. Cooke
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Barriers to Care and Other Treatment Discussion
1:00 - 1:15 p.m. Final Comments, Questions, and Saturday Course Evaluation
*These are generalized topics, which can change according to audience preference and discussions at the time of the course. Content is led to a certain degree by audience participation and interests.
Locations and Registration Information
Peninsula Health Center,
836-A J. Clyde Morris Blvd,
Newport News, VA 23601
May 30 - 31, 2025
Northern Virginia Community College,
Medical Education Campus,
6699 Springfield Center Dr.
Springfield, VA 22150
July 11 - 12, 2025
Eastern Shore Community College,
29316 Lankford Hwy,
Melfa, VA 23410
July 18 - 19, 2025
If you have questions, please contact Kami Piscitelli prior to the course dates at kami.piscitelli@vdh.virginia.gov.
