Happy New Year and Welcome 2010
What a great way to start 2010! Ultradent just notified me that they will be sponsoring the September 18, 2010 DPPS Seminar located in Oak Brook, IL. 2010 will start off with Philips Oral HealthCare-Sonciare on March 14th in Tinley Park, IL and Ultradent on September 18, 2010. DPPS is also hosting a “one of a kind” seminar on April 7th (see details below).
The last Ultradent seminar had excellent reviews. Ultradent will be providing us with another great speaker for September 18, 2010. The seminar will be worth 6.0 CEU'S. More information will be sent to you once it becomes available. I would like to say, “Thank you,” to Ultradent and ChristaLee Durrant for the September 18, 2010 Sponsorship.
2010 will be bringing every dental professional an increased opportunity to obtain CEU’S and product information via the web. The DPPS text messaging, e-mail database, Facebook friend list and Job Blasters have grown to over 3,000 dental professionals, and continue to grow each month. It is clear to me that individuals are utilizing the DPPS website for information, along with every piece of technology available. DPPS will continue to be in the forefront of continuing education and communication via modern technology. To those who do not access their technology power, do not fret, we still have snail mail and fax numbers.
Currently, I am speaking with Ultradent on webinars. This is a great way to gather CEU'S from the comfort of your home. Information will be posted on the DPPS website when it becomes available. It is my hope that someday (maybe in 2010) the DPPS website will conduct webinars via the internet. To meet this 2010 goal, I plan on working with different dental companies, and I will keep you informed.
As we all know, the economy is affecting all of us, this includes dental companies as well. As dental professionals, our hours are being cut and in some cases, days are cancelled all together. The trickle-down effect also involves dental companies and sponsorships. As I mentioned at the seminars, it is vital that we recognize the companies that continue to support DPPS and the seminars we attend.
Purchasing products from the sponsoring companies, and informing the dental reps that you are grateful for their company’s sponsorship, makes them realize it is worth their presence at our seminars and on the DPPS website. This feedback from you is not only encouraging to them, but also helps you in the long-run. If it was not for the support of loyal companies, DPPS seminar prices would be increased and opportunities would be lessened.
In addition to recognizing the companies below, I would also like to recognize the individuals who made the decision to sponsor DPPS events and the DPPS website.
2010 Sponsors:
Gail B from Philips Oral HealthCare-Sonicare
Cheri R from Crest/Oral B
ChristaLee D. from Ultradent
Danielle V. from Hu-Friedy
Steven Z. from Orascoptic
Don S. from Dash Medical Gloves
I want each of them to know that DPPS and dental professionals from the Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana area appreciate their continuing support in 2010.
Don't forget to register for the March 14, 2010 DPPS Convention or CPR class located in Tinley Park, IL.
The March 14, 2010 DPPS Convention is sponsored by Philips Oral HealthCare-Sonicare and Hu-Friedy. I would like to say, "Thank you" to these two companies for their Sponsorship. It is because of Sonciare and Hu-Friedy, that we are able to offer great prices and two great seminars.
A CPR renewal course is also offered on March 14th; check your CPR cards to make sure you are updated. If you do not have a CPR card, you should renew at the March 14th seminar.
The fee for the convention and CPR course is located on the DPPS website at:
Due to the 36 CEU’S (for RDH’s) that are due in the 3-year licensure period, DPPS is planning an additional 2010 seminar. April 7, 2010 is the date and 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM is the time. “The Past, Present and Future of Dental Hygiene” seminar will be completely different than any other we have hosted in the past. There will be one dental company speaking for 30 minutes. After that period, RDH’s will gather together (in a comfortable setting) and talk about “The Past, Present and Future of Dental Hygiene.” This will be a relaxed 3 hour (CEU) “come as you are” type of forum. More or less, a Slumber Party with RDH’s opinions, suggestions, and ideas (pajama pants, sweat pants and comfy clothing attire is welcomed). If a great topic arises, we will venture off in that direction.
This seminar will be available to those who attend the March 14, 2010 seminar first.
In order for topics, suggestions and ideas to excel, I will be searching for RDH’s from various years of graduation. If you are interested, let me know if you want to join this April 7th venue. This will be a fun evening together.
Last but not least, I want you to know that I am very aware of the job opportunities for dental professionals. It appears (at this time) that Dental Assistants have more job opportunities then Hygienists. Some offices are utilizing their DA’S to do coronal polishing, while the DDS is doing the prophy. In the past, we have had Dentists, and even a few dental labs, call DPPS to see if we are picking up. These individuals use DPPS as a gauge to how busy it is. Unfortunately, I can tell you I have not seen an improvement.
The good news is that when dental offices do call, they assure me that DPPS is their placement service and are very happy with the individuals we send into their offices. Often, the dental professional on the other end of the phone conveys once they pick up, “DPPS will be the first to be called for dental placement”. With that in mind, it is very important for you to have all your current information on file at DPPS.
Your résumé should be e-mailed to me, if it hasn’t been already. We do have all résumés in paper form, but now they are needed on the computers. Text messaging is our number one mode of communication, so if you have not received a text message in the past month, you are not signed up. Job Blasters are the number two form of communication, and you can register on the DPPS website to receive information via e-mail. Again, if you have not received information in one month, you are not registered. Facebook is another way DPPS communicates. You can search us under Kathleen Karwoski or Dental, or a simple e-mail to dentaljobs@core.com can get you on the DPPS e-mail list. Our last mode of communication these days is the phone. Believe it or not, all other types listed above have proven to be faster than tracking down individuals by phone. In order to make placements fast, we use modern technology.
It is very important one or two modes of communication are confirmed. I do believe that once the job market turns around, there will be a huge rush to finding dental professionals. If you have all your information set and ready to go, you will have unlimited opportunities. My only hope is that a job rush is sooner, rather than later.
May you and your family have a blessed, prosperous and healthy New Year! I hope to see you at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting (I will send you information on the booth I will be working), or at one of the DPPS Seminars.
Kathy Karwoski, RDH
708-535-9545
