Dental Hygiene Fundamentals: Connecting Oral Health, Whole-Body Health, and Everyday Living (09/21/2026)

LIVE WEBINAR – September 21, 2026

Presented by Leonarda Malyemezian

PLEASE NOTE: This LIVE continuing education is available for both in-person and virtual participation. If you are participating in person, the CE will take place at the Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio (835 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45402).

6:00 – 7:00pm | 1.0 Contact Hours

Description:

This presentation introduces Occupational Therapy professionals to the fundamentals of dental and oral health and highlights why a healthy mouth is an important part of overall wellness and daily living. Participants will explore the purpose of an effective oral hygiene routine, including brushing, interdental cleaning, and routine professional dental care. The presentation will also clarify the roles of general dentists, dental hygienists, and dental specialists to help professionals better understand when different levels of dental care may be needed. Special attention will be given to the relationship between the oral environment and systemic health, as well as the role prevention plays in reducing the need for more complex and costly dental treatment. Participants will leave with practical information they can use personally and when supporting patients or clients with oral self-care and activities of daily living.

Objectives:

By the end of this learning event, participants will be able to:

• Explain why oral health is an important component of overall health, wellness, and quality of life.
• Identify the essential components of an effective daily oral hygiene regimen and the purpose of each.
• Differentiate between the roles of the general dentist, dental hygienist, and common dental specialists.
• Describe key connections between oral health and systemic health.
• Recognize how preventive oral care and consistent home care can reduce the risk of extensive and costly dental treatment.

Presenter bio:

Leonarda Malyemezian is a dedicated dental hygiene professional and educator for Sinclair Community College’s dental hygiene department. Committed to advancing student success through hands-on clinical experience and community collaboration as the Clinic Coordinator. She also serves by teaching Clinical Dental Hygiene I, II, III, and the Communities course. Loney is passionate about preparing future hygienists with the clinical competence, professionalism, and confidence needed to thrive in the field.

A key accomplishment in her role includes establishing a Training Affiliation Agreement (TAA) with Wright- Patterson Air Force Base and the VA Hospital. These partnership create valuable clinical rotation opportunities for students, allowing them to gain real-world experience in a dynamic healthcare setting while serving a diverse patient population. Through this initiative, Loney has strengthened the bridge between academic training and clinical practice, enhancing student learning and workforce readiness; and is currently working on creating partnerships with 2 other locations.

In addition to coordinating clinical experiences, she actively supports student development through mentorship, organization of clinical examinations, and collaboration with faculty and external partners. With a background in dental hygiene and advanced academic training, she holds 3 associate degrees, a bachelor’s in educational studies, master’s in health science, and continues to expand her expertise by pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration with an Educational Leadership cognate.

Beyond the classroom, Loney serves as the community committee lead for the DDHA, where she actively promotes community outreach and oral health awareness initiatives. Her contributions to the profession have been recognized through merit, reflecting continued dedication to leadership and service.

Hosted by the OOTA West Central District