Speaker: Sarah O. Ostrander, RDH, MS, DHSc

Program Track: Educational Methodologies

Course Description: This course is designed for dental hygiene faculty who aim to enhance their teaching strategies in preventive dentistry education. It focuses on shifting student mindsets from a mechanical approach to an individualized, prevention-based, critical-thinking model. Educators will learn how to teach students to identify patient risk factors, create prevention-focused treatment plans, document outcomes effectively, and engage patients in behavioral change strategies. Participants will explore evidence-based teaching methodologies, including active learning, case-based education, faculty calibration techniques, and interactive student assessments. Additionally, the course covers competency evaluation methods, documentation best practices, and outcome tracking to ensure students are equipped to apply prevention-centered care in real-world clinical settings. This course also provides practical resources, including role-playing exercises, decision-making scenarios, faculty calibration exercises, and assessment tools, to help educators effectively and efficiently.

Learning Objectives:

• Define preventive dentistry.
• Determine learning styles for students and patients.
• Collaborate with faculty for calibration.
• Utilize activities and resources for student engagement.

CE Credit Hours: 2.0

Course Creation: June 2025

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2025–Dec. 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an approved provider of dental continuing education as recognized by the Dental Board of California, Provider #5238.