2025 Esther Wilkins Symposium

This session provides a high-level overview of peri-implant diseases, including peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis, supported by global literature. It reviews key concepts, highlights the latest research, and explores practical strategies through case studies. Participants will leave with actionable, evidence-based insights to improve patient outcomes and enhance their clinical or educational practices.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Identify the key risk factors and diagnostic criteria for peri-implant diseases (peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis) outlined in global literature.
• Apply evidence-based prevention strategies, including patient education and professional maintenance protocols, to reduce the risk of peri-implant diseases.
• Evaluate non-surgical treatment options for peri-implantitis and determine their applicability in clinical scenarios.
• Develop individualized long-term maintenance protocols for implant patients to monitor and manage peri-implant health effectively.
• Critically appraise the latest global research on peri-implant disease management and integrate key findings into their practice or teaching.

Speaker

Shavonne R. Healy, MSDH, RDH, is recognized by Dimensions of Dental Hygiene as one of the top six dental hygienists in the U.S. and is a 2024 Denobi Award winner for her impact on the profession. A Fones School of Dental Hygiene alumna, she blends decades of clinical experience with leadership in education, advocacy, and innovation.

An expert in dental implants, implant maintenance, and peri-implant disease, Shavonne has been featured by Dimensions of Dental Hygiene for her role as an implant care practitioner in oral surgery. As the founder of A Higher Learning LLC, she is revolutionizing dental hygiene education, championing ethical leadership, preventive care, and data-driven policies. A global leader in dental hygiene reform, she advocates for policy changes that expand hygienists' autonomy and improve access to high-quality oral healthcare for the public's good. Her work continues to shape the future of oral health through excellence, advocacy, and lifelong learning.

Release Date: November 1, 2025
Expiration Date: None
Topic Designator: Dental Implants
Contact hours: 3 (3CEU)

This course is designed to introduce all aspects of administering vaccines in the dental office setting. Covered topics include the purchasing, storage, billing, handling and administration of vaccines. There will also be instruction and video on administering intramuscular injections in the deltoid (upper arm) and vastus lateral (thigh). Hygienists are currently permitted to administer vaccines in Massachusetts if they have a local anesthesia certification and are under direct supervision by a dentist. No certification/course required.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Understand the importance, relevance, and applicability of dental professionals administering vaccines in the dental office setting.
• Learn how to purchase, store, document, code for, and administer vaccinations.
• Observe landmarking and technique for administering intramuscular injections in the deltoid and vastus lateralus, practice filling syringes, and practice administering IM injections.

Speaker

Dr. Rosie Wagner studied dentistry at the University at Buffalo and Tufts University before founding a family dental practice in Somerville, MA. Her office focuses on increasing access to dental care by reducing anxiety and shame, improving patient-provider communication, and offering a safe space for patients of all backgrounds. Dr. Wagner has long wished to form better connections between a patient’s dental, medical, and pharmacy providers and recognizes the dentist’s role in practicing preventive healthcare. Dr. Wagner hosted immunization clinics in her practice before becoming the first private practice dentist to administer vaccines in her office. She gives vaccines to her patients, community members, and started an in-school flu and covid clinic. She is a board member of both the Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation and the Better Oral Health for Massachusetts Coalition, founder of the National Organization for Dental Immunizers, and a member of the Massachusetts HPV Coalition.

Release Date: November 1, 2025
Expiration Date: None
Topic Designator: Vaccines
Contact hours: 3 (3CEU)

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Boston Campus
179 Longwood Ave - White 300
Boston, MA 02115 

Directions to Campus

Public Transit Options: MBTA Green and Orange lines, 47, 66 and 60 bus lines.

Complimentary on-campus parking will be available to attendees. Please reference the attendee reminder emails for more details.

The Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association. This event will provide 6 contact hours of continuing education.

Requirements for Credit

In order to receive credit, the participant must return to their Genius Dashboard, entering BlackBoard Ultra to confirm their attendance, complete an evaluation, and complete a post-test for each session. Upon submission, participants will be able to print a certificate of completion for each course.

Statement of Disclosure

Shavonne R. Healy, MSDH, RDH has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Dr. Rosie Wagner has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Continuing Education staff members hold no financial relationships with ineligible companies related to the content of this presentation.

No funding from industry was provided for this event. No exhibitors will be present.