(550) Difficult People and Conversations: Being your Best Communicator When in Conflict

David Weinandy, PhD

David Weinandy is a Professor at Aquinas College teaching undergraduate and graduate
courses in Communication and Management. Working directly with the President of the
College, he also serves as the Chief of Staff. As well, for five years, Dr. Weinandy
oversaw the Campus Life area at the College. He has been awarded The Outstanding
Faculty Member (three times) by the Aquinas College Student Senate and Alumni
Association. David was acknowledged with Aquinas College’s Distinguished Service
Award. A memorable moment was when David’s former students created an endowed
Aquinas College Leadership Scholarship in his name. Prior to teaching, David worked in
Student Affairs at Bowling Green and Kent State Universities. Additionally, David
received the Bowling Green State University Outstanding Alumni Service Award.
Dr. Weinandy has earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology and Counseling, a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel, and a Ph.D. in
Interpersonal Communication. David's expertise in the communication discipline
includes: group communication, public speaking, and interpersonal relationship
development.

Most people do not enjoy or look forward to conflict situations, and those who do often scare us. The anxiety we feel before a confrontation often is worse than the actual interaction itself. Whether in meetings or one-on-one, conflict, or even potential conflict, can zap our motivation, productivity, and quality of life. Let’s turn that around! We may not have control over what others do or say, but we always have control over our attitude and how we react. Learn to have conflict that can strengthen, not destroy relationships.

Objectives:
• An assessment of your preferred style of conflict resolution
• Possible causes and types of interpersonal conflict
• Factors that can positively or negatively affect resolution
• Strategies to reduce the likelihood of a defensive reaction in
yourself and others
• Practical communication processes and approaches to manage
conflict

(340) Pain Management in the Dental Patient

Dr. Sanjay Chand, MD

Dr Sanjay Chand has specialized in Medicine with a Masters degree in Clinical Pharmacology.
He is Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Infection Control at the University of Detroit
Mercy’s School of Dentistry.

This course will help Dental healthcare providers understand types of pain and its management
in the Dental patient with opioid and non-opioid analgesics. Case based scenarios will assist in
establishing appropriate analgesic use, risk assessment, safe prescribing practices, patient
education and awareness of the opioid crisis in the United States.
Participants will gain knowledge of ADA recommendations and best practice guidelines while
prescribing Opioids for dental pain.  

Educational Objectives:
At the conclusion of the course participants will be able to:

• Discuss best practice guidelines for pain management in the dental patient
• Develop an awareness of misconceptions and consequences of untreated pain.
• Recognize different types of pain and identify appropriate analgesics for each type.
• Discuss the pharmacology of analgesic medications
• Discuss CDC and ADA guidelines for opioid use.

* MEETS LARA REQUIREMENT FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT

(770) Every Choice Matters: Strategies and Insights into Better Dental Ergonomics

Cyndy Purdy, RDH

Cindy Purdy is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS) who specializes in improving the health and performance of dental professionals through creating safe in-office workstations.  Cindy is a nationally known speaker and is the creator and force behind THRIVE! a Wellness and Therapeutic Summit for Dental Professionals.  This 2 ½ day summit brings together ergonomic and medical specialists to help dental professionals enhance stamina & vitality, elevate performance, and inspire purposeful living—all while peeling away misconceived ideas relating to positioning, posture, and productivity.

A profound number of dental professionals are experiencing chronic pain, injury, disability, and early retirement. By facing the ergonomic realities of the practice of dentistry, this course will present solid ergonomic principles and science-based ergonomic evidence that will guide attendees to truly understand the mechanics of musculoskeletal disorders, learn the cost of injury and discover why and what can be done to reduce workplace challenges, enhance wellness and extend career longevity.