Welcome to Our 4th Annual
Public Health Priorities Dental Symposium 2025
Advancing Dental Health Through Education, Renewal, and Impact
Happening Now: Public Health Priorities Dental Symposium
The Dental Symposiums on Public Health Priorities provide high-quality continuing professional education, addressing healthcare's most significant public health concerns. Our mission is to equip dental professionals with the knowledge and tools to tackle these critical issues while enhancing the care they provide to patients and communities.
Today’s symposium, hosted at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), brings dental professionals together for a day of learning, connection, and impact. This year’s event is especially important, as 2025 marks a Licensure Renewal Year for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants in the District of Columbia—making this a must-attend opportunity.
Meet Our Speakers
Four dynamic women will lead this year’s Dental Symposium on Public Health Priorities, each bringing deep expertise and a powerful voice to the forefront of oral healthcare. From advancing legislative change in Advocacy in Action to breaking down compliance in OSHA: 5 Things You Need to Know, these leaders are shaping the future of dental care.
You’ll also hear critical insights on ethical care in Ethics and Law in Dentistry and explore inclusive strategies in Beyond Bias. These expert-led sessions offer not just education—but real momentum for change.
Symposium Program-at-a-Glance
Explore a full day of impactful sessions designed to inform, inspire, and equip dental professionals. From keynote presentations and panel discussions to interactive workshops and networking opportunities, this program provides a comprehensive look at the critical issues shaping public health dentistry today.
7:45am–8:30am | Welcome & Breakfast
Jasmin Haley | MS, RDH
Beyond Bias: Building Bridges in a Diverse Dental World
This course provides a comprehensive exploration into creating a dental practice that excels in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Participants will delve into the dynamics of culture, addressing implicit biases and developing communication strategies that resonate with a diverse patient base. The curriculum includes practical exercises on improving interpersonal interactions and transforming dental office policies to ensure an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity at all levels.
8:40am–10:40am | 2.0 CE
Shavonne R. Healy, MSDH, RDH
Ethics and Law in Dentistry: Ensuring Integrity and Trust
As dental professionals face rising regulatory scrutiny and ethical complexities, understanding the relationship between ethics and law has become essential. This course provides participants with the knowledge and strategies to navigate ethical decision-making and regulatory compliance, ensuring they uphold the highest standards of patient care. Open to dental professionals of all backgrounds, the session integrates theoretical principles with interactive exercises and case studies for a comprehensive learning experience. By applying these concepts to real-life scenarios, participants will gain practical insights and skills directly applicable to their daily practice.
11:00am–12:00pm | 1.0 CE
12:00pm–1:15pm | Lunch
Melondy Martin | RDH, BSDH, MDH
OSHA: 5 Things You Need to Know!
Infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings are essential to preventing patients and health workers from being harmed by infections. The standard of care requires that each dental facility have an infection prevention and control program. This course will help participants understand the current OSHA standards, including the Blood-borne Pathogens and Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Hazard Communication. It will highlight the most common challenges in infection control and ways to prevent infection. It will also cover the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infection Control Guidelines.
1:15pm–3:15 pm | 2.0 CE
Sara Pollock Hoverter | JD
Advocacy in Action: Driving Change in Oral Health Policy
Join us for an exciting session that will keep you at the forefront of the latest policies and regulations transforming oral healthcare! We’ll explore recent legislative victories, including the groundbreaking expansion of the scope of practice for dental hygienists and dental assistants in Washington, D.C., which is opening doors to improved access to preventive care, particularly for underserved communities. Learn how these important changes empower dental professionals and make a real difference in patient care.
3:30–4:30 pm | 1.0 CE
4:30pm–5:00pm Closing Remarks & Departures
Symposium Feedback Survey
Thank you for joining us today! To receive your CE credits, please be sure to complete the survey for this year’s Public Health Priorities Dental Symposium.