197844 Wave of the future: Certified Interdisciplinary Oral Health Advocate (CIOHA) credentialing

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sandra Nagel Beebe, RDH, PhD , School of Allied Health, Dental Hygiene/Health Care Management Internship Coordinator, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL
Delvin Champagne, COTA/L, BS , Health, Human Performance and Leisure Studies, Howard University Graduate School, Washington, D.C, DC
Certified Interdisciplinary Oral Health Advocate (CIOHA) is an effective way to bring positive interdisciplinary oral health care protocols for individuals residing in long term care (LCT) facilities. With minimal hygienists or dentists providing periodic care or daily care to residents, other health professionals must be trained to facilitate the daily needs of residents. Occupational therapy (OT), Speech Therapists, LPN's, RN's, CNA's, and other LTC staff are the targeted audience who must be educated to provide proper care and identify oral health issues prior to major problems occurring. It is established that individuals with periodontal associated problems will not heal as effectively because of systemic diseases or infections. Presenters will develop a brief history of concerns for quality care with interdisciplinary approach. Data will be provided discussing guidelines for establishing a non-dental professional certificate requiring training of didactic and clinical practicum hours to complete the certificate with continuing education provided upon completion. Pro's and con's of non-dental providers will be identified. After development, course materials would be taught by a licensed dentist, hygienist, or a CIOHA who has taken the “train the trainer” course. Discussion for potential endorsement of course sponsors and funding will be reviewed. Expansion of program would eventually cover individuals from prenatal through geriatrics. Current bill, Medicare Oral Health Rehabilitative Enhancement Act of 2008 (H.R. 5590) will be discussed for the impact it will create for CIOHA.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand principles related to clinical and non-clinical dental practitioners attaining certification for oral health professional development; 2) Describe comprehensive approach for developing CEU's for Long Term Care (LTC) oral health of non-dental professionals; 3) Discuss potential backers and funding for COHA for LTC and eventual expansion to cover individual's entire life span for OH education--from prenatal through geriatrics.

Keywords: Health Care Delivery, Training

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Occupational Practitioner, Certified & Licensed in D.C. & Virginia; 8 years clinical health care experience in Long Term Care, BS in Community Health; Candidate for Master's in Health Education & Policy
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.