2026 Courses and Events

Course #: 3170
Date: 11/29/2026
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Course Info: Half Day
Speaker(s):
Audra Haynes, RDH, MPH
Catherine Sica Monchik, RDH, MS
Esther Tingue, RDH

Topic: Current Dental Topics
Tuition: $65.00
Credits: 3
Recommended For:
Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Students, Administrative Staff, Educator, Nurse, Doctor

Description:

This course is designed to address the unique psychological and emotional demands of the dental profession. While patient care is often the focus, this initiative shifts the spotlight to the well-being of dental providers, including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and front-office staff. In the fast-paced, high-precision world of dentistry, the constant demand for clinical excellence while managing patient anxiety and office operations can contribute to compassion fatigue and professional burnout. Check-Up for the Soul is a comprehensive wellness program specifically tailored for the dental team. This course goes beyond basic stress management, offering a deep dive into the “human side” of the dental practice. Participants will explore the psychological stressors unique to the operatory, such as isolation, ergonomic-related mental fatigue, and the emotional toll of “people pleasing” role in a clinical environment. Through interactive workshops, team-building exercises, and evidence-based self-care strategies, this initiative aims to cultivate a culture of psychological safety where team members feel heard, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.

Learn to:

• identify the meaning of mental health, its historical context, and the serious consequences from long-term stress, recognizing its importance in daily life
• describe the impact of mental stress on dental hygiene and dental students as they transition from the educational setting into professional practice
• define the experiences of overwhelm and burnout and recognize common signs and manifestations of negative stress
• apply experiential learning strategies to prevent, reduce, and manage the effects of negative stress effects including related musculoskeletal concerns

Supported by the New York City Dental Hygienists’ Association, a component of the New York Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association