Become the Hygienist of Tomorrow, Today: Your Role in the National Pandemic of Disturbed Sleep

 

Become the Hygienist of Tomorrow, Today: Your Role in the National Pandemic of Disturbed Sleep.

Sunday December 7, 2025  Time: 10am to 12pm EST

Attend by Live – Interactive Webinar or Live at our School

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explore the basics of natural and disturbed sleep

• Discover the co-morbidities associated with disturbed sleep

• Examine the different types and implications of bruxism

• Discuss contemporary debates surrounding fluoride use

• Understand the causes and consequences of oral acid attacks

• Evaluate how sleep awareness can positively influence dental hygiene practice

Course Description:
As sleep disturbances reach epidemic proportions across the nation, dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to play a proactive role in identifying and addressing the oral health implications of poor sleep. This forward-thinking continuing education course empowers hygienists to become vital contributors in recognizing the signs of disturbed sleep, understanding its connection to oral and systemic conditions, and integrating this awareness into daily practice. Participants will explore key concepts such as bruxism, the controversial role of fluoride, and the ever-present threat of oral acid attacks—all through the lens of sleep health. Get ready to become the hygienist of tomorrow by expanding your knowledge today and enhancing your impact on patient wellness.

About Dr. Santucci
Dr. Gene Santucci is an Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry at the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA. He is co-director of the Dental Sleep Mini-Residency Program, and Content Coordinator for Sleep Medicine. He also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling.

Dr. Santucci has presented nationally and internationally on the topics of dental sleep medicine, ADHD in children and sleep related disorders, occlusion, aesthetics, temporomandibular disorders, photography, functional anatomy of the gnathostomatic system and the fabrication and delivery of night guards. He is a published author contributing to numerous articles in refereed journals and abstracts, along with a task force report regarding sleep medicine, and course content in dental education. His textbook contributions include: Patient Examinations in an Esthetic Dentistry Practice, Headache and Facial Pain.

Dr. Santucci has been awarded membership in the following associations: the American College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, American Academy of Integrated Pain Management, American Dental Educators Association, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, California Sleep Society, American Association of Oral Systemic Health, American Dental Association and California Dental Association. He is a member of Catapult Education’s Speakers Bureau and reviews dental products for them.

Dr. Santucci’s goal is to encourage all dental professionals to become the first line of defense regarding the evaluation, referral, and treatment for the various types of sleep disturbances from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea in children and adults.

 

Requirements to attend a live webinar:

Live webinars are considered live credits, not distance learning.

• You will need a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer to view it. If using a smartphone or tablet, it is best to have the app for the program on your device (i.e. Zoom).
• To verify your continued attendance during the class, you will need a microphone, or the ability to type into the program’s live chat.
• Webcam
• Instructors or school personnel will take attendance periodically throughout the class.
• Instructors may call on participants.
• To verify attendance, a code word may be given sometime during the class.
• You will be required to complete and return an evaluation after the course has ended. The evaluation may ask what code word was given.
• You may not receive your Certificate of Completion if we cannot verify your attendance.

Live webinar invitations are emailed to registered students approximately one day prior to the class.

Certificates of Completion are emailed to students approximately 5 business days after the course.

This program is for the full dental staff – no prior skills are needed to attend.

The teaching method will be in a lecture format with a Q & A period.