MO Hy-PAC
Continuing Education Course
Oral Health Connections: Empowering Dental Hygienists in Dementia
3 CEUs
January 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Central Time
Presenter: Mary Kelly, MS, RDH, CDP | Fee is $50 Online only via Zoom (Recording will be available)
This course prepares dental hygienists to effectively care for patients with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s Disease, as their numbers rise in the U.S. With more individuals remaining in home and community settings, dental hygienists are increasingly likely to encounter patients at various stages of cognitive decline. Early signs may be missed or mistaken for normal aging, and patients may present for appointments without the ability to legally consent or follow oral hygiene instructions.Through evidence-based protocols, this course equips dental hygienists with practical strategies to:
•Recognize signs of cognitive decline before treatment
•Assess a patient’s ability to consent and comply with oral care plans
•Adapt oral hygiene recommendations to the stage of dementia
•Communicate effectively with patients and caregivers
•Implement safe, individualized dental care for people with dementia
Attendees will gain tools to screen for cognitive impairment and develop oral hygiene plans tailored to the unique needs of these patients and their caregivers.
To register for this course, complete both steps:
1.Register through Zoom:
2.Pay via Square:
About the Presenter:
in the community focused on early childhood and aging adults, with research on oral care education for people with dementia, silver diamine fluoride and fluoride varnish use in early childhood and nursing home populations. She co-founded Brain Help and Hope, a non-profit focused on dementia prevention and is a Dementia Friends Champion. Currently Mary serves as an Integrated Health Consultant with the Iowa Primary Care Association, supporting safety-net dental clinics statewide.
Mary Kelly, MS, RDH, is an oral health advocate with 30 years of experience in dental public health and recipient of the 2024 Award of Excellence in Dental Hygiene. Mary’s passion for prevention and caring
What is Missouri Hy-PAC?
The Missouri Dental Hygienists’ Political Action Committee, (MO Hy-PAC) is a voluntary non-profit committee which pools campaign contributions from dental hygienists to donate funds to potential future legislators running for office in Missouri. The PAC supports the goals of the Missouri Dental Hygienists' Association, but operates independently, and autonomously. MO Hy-PAC is not affiliated with any one political party but supports individual candidates who align with dental hygienists' interests.
The purpose of Missouri Hy-PAC is to:
1. Assist dental hygienists and others in organizing themselves for more effective political action and in carrying out their civic responsibility.
2. Endorse those candidates whose political principles promote the Missouri Dental Hygienists’ Association’s purposes, policies, and goals.
3. Raise money through fundraising for the PAC.
4. Donate money to endorsed candidates.
5. Provide volunteers to perform campaign functions for endorsed candidates.
Voting isn't enough and lobbying isn't enough!!!
Legislation affects the scope and the future of the practice of dental hygiene through the decisions made by Missouri legislators. By supporting candidates who support our efforts leads to positive legislative outcomes.
Hy-PAC is active!!!
As dental hygienists, we are now faced with a pilot program that will allow EFDA-trained dental assistants to scale teeth above the gum line, so it is important to increase PAC funds so we are prepared to financially support candidates who will have views consistent with our own.
Hy-PAC NEEDS YOU!!!
Defend the investment you have made in the dental hygiene profession by donating money and volunteering to work for quality candidates who promote the dental hygiene profession! You may donate online or by mail. (See how to donate below). Never has it been more important than it is today!
Please donate to the PAC and consider attending our upcoming fundraisers.
2025-2026 Missouri Hy-PAC Directors
Chairperson:
Diann Bomkamp (St. Louis)
Vice-Chairperson:
Linda Hoffmann (Central)
Treasurer:
Karmen Vaughn (Kansas City)
Deputy-Treasurer:
Romana Muller (St. Louis)
Ex-Officio (non-voting privileges)
MDHA President:
Becky Harshaw
Fundraising Committee
Linda Hoffmann
Bylaws Committee
Diann Bomkamp
Local Directors
Central Missouri: Susan Bear
Kansas City: Melissa Saad
Joplin: Becky Harshaw
Springfield: Kammi Benham-Grosse
St. Louis: Lori Crawford and Amy Krusz
Director at Large: Bonnie Hykes