The Congress allows you to have the best of both relaxation and professional development. You will experience a world-class roster of speakers, which will provide stimulating and informative seminars. There is something for everyone in the dental community: dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental specialists. There is also a roster of social and recreational activities that allows you to experience everything that Jasper National Park and our host hotel, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, have to offer.

The Technology Fair returns this year with exhibitors who will showcase the latest industry developments. There is added value with the Suduko puzzle, silent auction, an open stage for mini presentations and the ever popular Exhibitors Reception.

This year’s activities schedule promises to be as dynamic and active as ever. The ever popular Shotgun Golf Tournament returns along with Our “Peak Experience” series for spouses and partners includes some new offerings, the Fun Walk/Run returns as does The Youth Day Camp. It truly is an event for all!

On the social front, the Thursday evening Welcome event will have us reconnecting with friends as we recognize colleagues from the 10, 25, and 50 year categories. Our Friday night event takes us through the sights and yummy delights of a Greece “Its All Greek To Me” theme, and Saturday night’s gala event is titled “Heroes verses Villains!” Come dressed as your favorite character.

It’s going to be a weekend to remember. We look forward to seeing you in Jasper.

Delegates Register Now!

Exhibitors Registration

For more information, contact the Alberta Dental Association and College by calling (780) 432-1012 (toll free at 1-800-843-3848)

Fluoride Q&A

Further evidence in support of water fluoridation

The following links can also be a resource for you in your search for informaiton on Fluoride.

Position statements

Global Position Statements

American Dental Association

Canadian Dental Association

Fluoride websites

Its Your Health – Fluorides and Human Health
Health Canada’s position on Fluoride
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/fluor-eng.php

Health Canada’s Drinking Water Recommendations
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/index-eng.php

Guideline on Fluoride in Drinking Water (1998)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/fluoride-fluorure/index-eng.php

Findings and Recommendations of the Fluoride Expert Panel (2007)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/2008-fluoride-fluorure/index-eng.php

Consultation Document
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/consult/_2009/fluoride-fluorure/index-eng.php

Fluoridation Facts
http://www.ada.org/sections/newsAndEvents/pdfs/fluoridation_facts.pdf

The dental examination begins with the collection of your complete medical history. Understanding your medical history can provide the dentist with vital information on any health condition you may have which can ultimately impact the success of any dental treatments.

Radiographs (x-rays) are also taken and studied so that the dentist can see things not seen by the naked eye. Having the visual of the inside of your teeth, the condition of your roots and areas between your teeth, help the dentist determine bone loss, root health and the indication of any cysts or growths than may affect your overall oral health.

Next a full visual scan of the teeth is done, comparing what is seen with what appears on the x-rays. The dentist checks not only the teeth and gums, but also other soft tissues. Knowing the condition of the gums and seeing any signs of as periodontal disease, provides information on the overall health of the supporting structure (gums) that can lead to loosening of the teeth and potential bone and/or tooth loss.

The exam continues by checking other areas such as the tongue, roof of the mouth (palate) and floor of the mouth for any visible signs of inflammation or bleeding. Looking for signs of white lesions or oral cancer and/or suspicious growths or blocked salivary glands, are an essential part of this dental exam. Your dentist will also check the general condition of the bones in the face, jaws and around the mouth. In doing so, the dentist has a clear picture of the overall function of your temporomandibular joint (joint that joins your jaw to the skull) and other areas such as the overall health of your sinus cavity.

Dentists will also examine your neck area, feeling the glands and lymph nodes for possible signs of inflammation which could be an indicator of other general health conditions. The glands in the neck area are prominent gateways to the rest of your general overall health.

The dentist is also looking for many other things such as, cavities, damaged or missing teeth, restorations in the mouth such as root canals or crowns and the positioning of the teeth.

Dentists have the opportunity explain what they are doing during the examination and provide you with a summary of their findings when they are finished. If the examination reveals a problem that requires treatment, there should be a two-way discussion on the options available. If your dentist identifies a problem that is complex or requires specialized treatment; the dentist may refer you to a dental specialist. Patients, as an active part of your oral health team, are encouraged to ask questions.

For further information, talk to your dentist or go to www.oralhealthalberta.com.

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Media contact:
Kimberly McDonald,
Director-Marketing Communications
Alberta Dental Association and College
Phone: (780) 432-1012 or toll free 1-800-843-3848

Preventive maintenance on your teeth and gums, and visiting your dentist once a year is far less costly and timely than it is to wait until you have pain or an obvious problem. It is also simpler-complex procedures like root canals, crowns and bridges can result from not maintaining good dental habits. If you ignore a small cavity, which can be easily filled by a dentist, the tooth decay can become extensive and painful, and so can the treatment. Root canal treatment can take several hours and may require two visits. Adding a crown also requires several hours over two visits. If the deterioration of teeth or gums is severe, one or more teeth could be lost.

Some people only go to the dentist when they have a problem. But by that time, the problem may not be an easy fix. Dentists are trained to not only spot the obvious, but to also detect early signs of cavities or periodontal disease, and are often the first to spot mouth and throat cancers, systemic diseases such as forms of anemia and immunosuppression, and other serious medical conditions.

Preventive maintenance helps ensure a lifetime of oral health.

Good Preventive Care habits

Visit the Dentist Regularly - The regular checkup is important. Almost all oral diseases are asymptomatic in their early stages; including periodontitis, gingivitis, decay, and oral cancer. In addition, these problems are much easier and less expensive to fix when caught early.

Update Medical History with Dentist - Many medical conditions adversely impact your oral health both directly (diabetes, AIDS, Sjogren’s, etc.) and indirectly due to medications used (hypertension, heart disease, depression, cancer, etc.). Your dentist must be aware of all conditions and medications, even if it does not seem pertinent, to properly manage your treatment and prevention program.

Reduce Frequency of Sugar Intake - The amount of sugars eaten throughout the day is not as important as the frequency of intake. This includes both simple sugars and starches. The mouth has a natural buffering capacity in the saliva which neutralizes the bacterial acids, thus minimizing decalcification of enamel. Frequent sugar doses overload this ability.

Do Not Smoke - Smoking is just plain terrible for your mouth. Stained yellow teeth are the obvious problems, but the hidden damage is far more threatening. Smokers are much more likely to suffer oral cancer than non-smokers. Periodontal disease in smokers is more severe, progresses faster, and responds very poorly to treatment.

Protect Your Teeth - Dental protection includes the obvious, such as wearing mouth guards for sports. Less obvious ways to protect your teeth from trauma include always wearing a seatbelt, never using your teeth as tools, and wearing a night guard if bruxism is evident.

Mouthwash – Mouthwashes and prescription rinses used twice daily help reduce gingivitis when accompanied by proper brushing and flossing.

Brush and Floss - The simple act of proper daily hygiene will prevent the majority of dental troubles in most people.