September 22, 2006
Dental seminar to focus on methamphetamine
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Methamphetamine awareness and the drug's impact on the region — particularly in terms of dental care —will be in the spotlight during the annual Dental Professionals Seminar next month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The seminar, "Methamphetamine Awareness in the Heartland," runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6, in the Student Center Auditorium. The seminar will explore the extent of the methamphetamine problem in rural areas and its impact on social behavior, families, communities, oral health and the healthcare system.
Faith Y. Miller, associate professor in the School of Allied Health's dental hygiene program, said the seminar isn't just for those involved in health care professions. She has also invited law enforcement and social service professionals because methamphetamine "has such far-reaching ramifications" that many individuals can benefit from the program.
Miller expects the seminar will provide information on social service agencies and coalitions that offer help. Previous dental hygiene program seminars attracted between 250 and 280 participants, she said.
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Media Advisory
Reporters and photographers are welcome to cover the seminar. For more information, contact associate professor Faith Y. Miller at 618/453-8880.
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The seminar is divided into three sessions:
8:30-10 a.m. — Tom McNamara, special projects coordinator for the Southern Illinois Drug Enforcement Group. McNamara will provide an overview of the problem.
10:15-11:45 a.m. — Dr. Deanna St. Germaine, family physician, clinical assistant professor of Family Practice at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, and medical director of the
Children's Medical Resource Network. She will discuss the state's protocol for care for children who come from meth homes.
1-2:30 p.m., and 3-4:30 p.m. — Dr. Chris Rice, associate professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology & Medicine at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry. Rice will discuss "Identifying a Drug Abusers Mouth" — the oral effects from methamphetamine and other drug use, along with detection and treatment.
The seminar coincides with Homecoming weekend recognition of dental hygiene alumni classes from 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971 and 1966. The dental hygiene program, in existence since 1963, is part of the College of Applied Sciences and Arts.
The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 29. The registration fee is $85; $35 for full-time students or 2006 SIUC dental hygiene program graduates. Registration forms are available through the Division of Continuing Education athttp://www.dce.siu.edu/conferences/060719dental.htm. Information is also available by calling 618/536-7751.
Enhancing outreach and continuing education efforts are among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.