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Student "Dry Mouth" Presentation Makes a Splash at State Dental Hygiene Conference
BRYN MAWR, PA (November 27, 2006) -Harcum College’s (www.harcum.edu ) dental hygiene students, Maria Della Valle, of Delaware County; Rebecca Morrison, of Chester County; and Jackie Meluzio, of Delaware County, won second place in a statewide presentation of research projects presented during the Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene Association (PDHA) conference held recently in Lancaster, PA.
The three students delivered the results of their research project on Xerostomia, or dry mouth. Their efforts stood out among presentations by students from other dental hygiene schools on topics such as "Spa Dentistry," "To Pierce or Not to Pierce - a Dental Standpoint," and "Dentistry of the Future."
In a sea of table clinics, totaling about 30, various dental hygiene schools from around the state presented their topics to attendees. Della Valle and Morrison, both senior dental hygienists and representatives of the Student American Dental Hygiene Association (SADHA) for Harcum, and Meluzio, presented the topic: "Natural Alternatives to Xerostomia." Dividing the topic equally, each student researched natural
therapies used to treat Xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth. "We all took one of the three topics: acupuncture, water and potassium, and did further research," said Della Valle. "This presentation became our baby during the months of September and October.
We handed out a sheet of paper listing medications that were known to cause oral dryness and another paper that had a diet high in potassium, which regulates water balance within the body."
Harcum and the many other dental hygiene schools vying for first place were judged from a number of criteria, including topic title; clear and related purpose and conclusions; organized content; professional presentation appearance; enhanced visuals; clear and grammatically correct speech; and a dozen other factors. "Presenters had to know the information cold," said Rose Herman, a PDHA delegate, and Junior Coordinator of the Dental Hygiene Program for Harcum. "What impressed me most was that our students really had command of the subject they had researched, and that’s what ultimately impressed the judges as well."
PDHA is a state organization that promotes high standards of dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research while representing and promoting the interests of dental hygienists. According to Karen Naylor, Assistant Professor and Senior Dental Clinic Coordinator for Harcum College, the benefits for students attending PDHA meetings are numerous. "It allows them to represent their College, network with dental hygiene professionals, earn required continuing education credits, and develop leadership skills."
Representing Harcum; Della Valle, Morrison, and Meluzio’s table clinic presentation was awarded second place and a cash prize, courtesy of PDHA and several corporate sponsors. "Even though we won money, it was a great feeling to know that we represented our school in such a great way," said Della Valle.
Fellow prize winner, Morrison, who has been involved in dental assisting for six years, shares Della Valle’s enthusiasm in participating in the PDHA conference. "I think that it is important for dental hygienists to be active in what is going on around their areas," said Morrison, "and I am glad that Harcum has us join SADHA. I feel that it is important to our futures."
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