Optional Workshops

Saturday, September 14

Laser Frenectomy and Soft Palate Remodeling and a Hands-On Laser Lab

  • 1 hr Lecture – The Science and Myths of Laser Frenectomies and Soft Palate Remodeling
  • 1 hr Hands-On Surgical Laser Lab - The hands-on participation lab is designed to train attendees to perform incision, excision, ablation, and coagulation safely and efficiently. The program Soft Tissue Surgical Laser Hands-On Participation Workshop focuses on the practical aspects of soft tissue CO2 laser surgery. Participants will be able to practice the basics of laser physics and laser–tissue interaction, laser safety, adjusting laser parameters (such as power, fluence, pulsing, and hand speed) for selected procedures, and how surgical lasers are utilized for soft-tissue dental applications, both ablative and non-ablative. The differences between Non-Ablative and Ablative CO2 laser settings and techniques will be demonstrated to address these specific learning objectives:
    • Learn, practice, and understand the role of laser wavelength and its impact on laser ability to vaporize and coagulate the soft tissue
    • Learn, practice, and understand the role of laser beam focal spot size and its impact on the depth of ablation and incision
    • Learn, practice and understand the impact of SuperPulse and CW settings on the depth of coagulation and hemostasis
    • Learn how the laser power, laser beam spot size and surgeon’s hand speed controls are utilized in Non-Ablative Tissue Remodeling Applications

$300.00 per attendee

Reno Improv

Every day, patients depend on healthcare professionals to effectively communicate highly specialized information, empowering them to make decisions that impact their health and well-being. Join Tim Mahoney from Reno Improv in a no-experience-necessary, all-experience-welcome improv workshop where the keys to effective and empathetic communication will be discovered and practiced through a series of dynamic exercises. In “Speak Easy,” we will explore spontaneous communication in a fun, approachable setting where humanity and humility are celebrated. Improv comedy is one of the most collaborative art forms, and there is absolutely no barrier for entry. We hope to see you there!

Tim Mahoney (he/him) has been performing and teaching improvised theater for over 10 years. His improv journey began at the Contemporary Theater Company in Wakefield, RI where he performed with WilburWilburNealbur. He has performed and taught at a number of theaters and festivals around the country, including The Ocean State Improv Festival, The San Francisco Improv Festival, The Denver Improv Festival and The Alaska State Improv Festival. He can be seen onstage at Reno Improv with his performing groups, Dirty Old Bear and Some Things May Never Happen.

Tim's teaching credentials include The Middlebridge School, The New York Public School System, Washoe County School District, University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College. Corporate clients include Ridgeline Apps, The American Association of Biological Anthropologists, PBS, The National Guard Association of the United States and many others.

695 Willow St., Reno, NV 89502
Theater: 775-462-6841
renoimprov.org
facebook.com/renoimprov
instagram.com/renoimprov

Reno Improv is a 501(c)3 organization. EIN 84-2483761


$300.00 per attendee

The Art of Efficient Breathing:Enhancing Airways through Manual Therapy

The expression of efficient breathing is a skill very few individuals enjoy. Many factors such as developmental sequence, mechanical capacity, neurophysiological impairment, and emotional/mental influences can impact the expression of optimal respiration. This breakout session will focus on the mechanical, neuromuscular, and motor control dysfunctions that can be enhanced through manual therapy. The key structures to be evaluated and treated are the oral and nasal cavities, pharynx, glottis, diaphragm, and rib cage. Additionally, the vagus nerves will be introduced and strategies for enhancing parasympathetic expression will be presented. There will be a demonstration of the approach on subjects with airway issues and lab practice time for some of the more pivotal techniques.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Identify primary factors that can lead to inefficient respiratory function. 
  2. Identify mechanical and neuromuscular dysfunctions of the oral/nasal cavities, pharyngeal structures, and diaphragm which can limit optimal breathing. 
  3. Identify the role of posture and the autonomic nervous system in optimal breathing.

Free to attend, but RSVP required

White Flag Event: Defining the Scope of Practice for RDHs and SLPs in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Town Hall / Open Discussion

Collaboration Cures hosts this critical White Flag Event focusing on the scope of practice for healthcare providers involved in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT). This session will address the ongoing debate surrounding the roles of Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in providing OMT services. With a specific rebuttal from the New York State Department of Education regarding RDH practices, this discussion aims to highlight the preventive care role of RDHs, backed by extensive training and research supporting their inclusion in OMT practices.

Free to attend, but RSVP required

PLATINUM VENDOR PRESENTATION:  SuperMouth, LLC

Free to attend, but RSVP required

The 2025 Oral Care Revolution: Essential Oral Care Products Knowledge to Leave Outdated Practices Behind

In this workshop, attendees will discuss oral health and overall health connections. Attendees will learn the critical role of dentition in growth and development, periodontal disease and system health connections, and the role of prebiotics and probiotics in oral care. Feeling confused about how to choose the right oral care products for your patients? Are your orthodontic patients developing decalcifications or worse during their treatments? Attendees will learn which ingredients in products are safe and effective and which to avoid. Dr. Kami Hoss will debunk 10 common myths in oral care, including, cavities or decalcifications only happen if you eat a lot of sugar, bleeding gums are normal, and that natural toothpaste is better than conventional toothpaste! Come to the workshop to find out the rest!

  1. Discuss oral health and overall health connections
  2. Determine the critical role of primary dentition in growth and development
  3. Understand periodontal disease and system health connections
  4. List safe and effective ingredients in products and which ones to avoid
  5. Identify the role of antibiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics in oral care 

PLATINUM VENDOR PRESENTATION: HHS Systems (Pain and Performance: a Physiologic Perspective)

Free to attend, but RSVP required

Through the use of physiological monitoring, we will examine how pain and performance can be affected by treatment modalities and an objective approach.

Thank You To Our Sponsors