Tulsa Dental Hygiene Symposium 2025: CONSCIOUSNESS IN CARE

Tricia Osuna, BSDH, RDH, FAADH, will start our day in the AM Session with an update on protocols and products, with her course: CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS AND IMPROVE YOUR OUTCOMES.

DESCRIPTION of COURSE: Updated protocols assist us in determining our patient’s specific needs. As we move towards a more collaborative profession, we need to embrace these updates to identify those needs. We are presented with continuous challenges of new advances in products and technology and their use in dentistry and are in need of information to determine when and how to add them to our armamentaria. As professionals providing health services, our perception of product use, along with protocols, needs to be discussed with our team, as well as the interdisciplinary referrals we have. Perception of product use, along with protocols, needs to be discussed with our team as well. The process of care (assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation) requires a comprehension of protocols, products, and treatment options and how they are to be utilized.

Elizabeth Martinez, MS, LPC and Greg Sutmiller MS, LPC, LADC/MH will join us for the PM Session with their course, ADDRESSING ANXIETIES IN DENTAL CARE: AWARENESS TO ACTION.

DESCRIPTION of COURSE: Equipping dental professionals with the information and tools they need to adequately address common anxieties present in patients.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn important information about anxiety, how it presents, and what drives it.

Participants will learn to define and describe trauma and trauma-informed care.

Participants will learn the role self-confidence and self-worth play in dental care.

Participants will learn other behavioral health factors that may impact patient care.

Participants will understand the role of empathy in the effective, comprehensive care of patients and providers.

Participants will learn how environmental factors can affect the patient’s overall experience.

Participants will be provided with helpful tools and considerations for identifying anxieties and other potential issues.

Participants will learn practical techniques for reducing anxiety.

SPEAKER BIOS:

Tricia Osuna, BSDH, RDH, FAADH, is a University of Southern California graduate, Past President and Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene and Past President of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association. In June of 2025 Tricia will celebrate 47 years as a dental hygienist and shares her experience with her audiences. Her lengthy background in clinical practice along with education has offered her the opportunity to share real-life clinical experiences in her courses for 30 years. Tricia presents on topics such as new products, infection control, ergonomics, oral cancer, organ donation and recipient patient care, vaping and more! She has been extremely involved in leadership in her profession for her entire career as an enthusiastic CDHA and ADHA member and a dedicated advocate for advancing the profession. She was appointed by the CA Governor to the Dental Board of California in 2002 for a four-year term. Tricia was awarded in 2024 Lifetime Membership to the CA Dental Hygienists’ association; in 2021 Western Society of Periodontology Speaker of the Year award; in 2015 American Dental Hygienists’ Association Alfred C. Fones Award for her dedication to leadership. Also recognized for her many efforts and contributions to the Dental Hygiene profession, Tricia has received several awards including the CDHA’s President’s Recognition Award twice, the ADHA Bausch and Lomb Distinctions in Dental Hygiene Award and the ADHA Distinguished Service Award. Tricia has authored numerous articles on a variety of topics such as: Empowering Dental Hygienists / Magnification / Xerostomia / Digital Radiography / Ergonomics / The use of Safety Syringes / Handpiece Selection Criteria / Intra Oral Cameras / Amalgam Separators /Local Anesthetic Reversal Agents /and many others. She authored as a chapter in the book, Demystifying Smiles, on fluoride utilization. An author, clinician, educator, consultant, international presenter, mentor and business owner her passion for dental hygiene radiates in her presentations!

Elizabeth Martinez MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor for Evolution Mental Health Services and enjoys working with teens and adults from all walks of life. She has a special interest in maternal mental health and enjoys working with women before, during, and after childbirth and throughout life. With all of her clients she is guided by this principle from Brené Brown: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Elizabeth believes her job as a therapist is to come alongside individuals and help them come alive. We all deserve the opportunity to be the best that we can be, in every season of life, and she is honored to share that experience with her clients. Elizabeth offers help for a wide range of issues including anxiety, life adjustments, boundaries, coping skills, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem, and challenging relationships. She strives for clients to feel empowered and respected throughout their time with her, and uses a caring, non-judgmental, strengths-based approach to therapy. She considers it a privilege to be part of her client’s journey.

Greg Sutmiller MS, LPC, LADC/MH is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor for Evolution Mental Health Services. He comes to us with 17 years of experience working with people with substance use issues, anxiety, trauma, depression, and other mental health concerns. Greg owns Evolution Mental Health Services, which provides therapy to adults, children, and families with a variety of concerns, as well as licensure supervision and continuing education for mental health professionals. Greg uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness to help his clients become the people they want to be. He embraces the roles of both learner and educator so he can continually evolve. Greg enjoys meeting and speaking with other professionals.