Course Details
Cheryl is passionate about translating clinical expertise into impactful education. She has delivered continuing education courses for RDH Under One Roof Extended, Cloud Dentistry, and numerous dental and hygiene organizations nationwide. Her writing has been featured in respected platforms, including Today’s RDH, Cocofloss, and DoctorBase, and she has shared her insights as a guest on the Phil Klein Dental Podcast and the Dental Bun podcast.
Now in her eighth year as a Professional Educator for Waterpik™, Cheryl brings her signature mix of research-based knowledge and real-world relatability to every course she teaches. She is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) Professional Development Committee, and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Dental Hygienist Recognition Program.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) dentistry isn’t anything new. People have been using at-home remedies for dental treatments for hundreds of years. With the popularity of the internet and social media, information on simpler, faster, and cheaper alternatives to going to the dentist are becoming more enticing and easier for the general public to discover. Without prior knowledge or training, people are attempting these DIY treatments without being aware of the negative outcomes that may result in serious and lasting implications to their dental health. Through analysis of current trends, clinical case examples, and communication strategies, participants will learn to identify risk factors, address patient concerns, and maintain ethical standards in an increasingly digital dental landscape.
Objectives
*Describe the influence of social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) on the popularity and spread of DIY dental trends.
*Explain the role of influencers, algorithms, and virality in shaping public perceptions of dental aesthetics and self-care.
*List common DIY dental trends (e.g., at-home whitening, tooth filing, mail-order veneers) and assess the potential health risks and ethical concerns associated with each.
*Examine the credibility of online dental health information, including how to distinguish evidence-based practices from misinformation.
*Recognize clinical signs of self-performed dental interventions and incorporate appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies.
*Implement principles of digital professionalism to use social media responsibly and effectively as a tool for patient education and public health messaging.
*Develop strategies to address misinformation, promote oral health literacy, and advocate for safer digital environments.
