Hosted by Sequoia Birth Collective

Date: October 24, 2023

Time: 5:30pm Pacific Time

Cost: $30; proceeds support Sequoia Birth Collective 501(C)(3)

Register here

View event flyer here

Join us for an evening of learning with Dr. Nora Ghodousi-Zaghi, DDS Pediatric Dentist, of Breathe Kids Dental, as she teaches us more about infant frenectomy treatments, and the importance of the collaborative, wholistic medical care approach.

Dr. Nora offers functional and integrative oral health care and interceptive orthodontics with a focus on whole-body health and well- being. Dr. Nora is a UC Regent Scholarship Magna Cum Laude graduate from UCLA.While at Dental School at USC, she received the Pediatric Health Award for her volunteer efforts in the underserved community. She then went on to complete a two-year Pediatric Dental Residency program at UNLV, where she gained experience providing high-level dental and orthodontic care for fragile, behaviorally challenging, and medically compromised pediatric patients. Dr. Nora has experience as faculty at UNLV where she supervised the dental students providing pediatric dentistry for children with difficulties accessing care.

Description: This lecture aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of infant frenectomy treatments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and a wholistic medical approach. by the end of this course, participants will be able to effectively describe the process of diagnosing frenula restrictions treatments for infants, while appreciating the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving successful outcomes.

Course Objectives:

1. Understanding frenectomy: participants will gain an in-depth understanding of what a frenectomy is, including the types (e.g., lingual frenectomy, labial frenectomy) and indications for performing it in infants.
2. Diagnosis and assessment: explore the diagnostic process for identifying infants who may benefit from a frenectomy. understand the various clinical signs, challenges, and considerations in making a diagnosis.
3. Frenectomy procedures: learn about the different techniques and approaches used in performing frenectomies on infants, including the benefits and potential risks associated with each method.
4. Wholistic medical approach: emphasize the significance of a holistic medical approach to infant frenectomy, considering the physical, emotional, and developmental aspects of the child.
5. Collaborative care: highlight the importance of collaboration among various healthcare disciplines involved in infant frenectomy, such as pediatricians, lactation consultants, speech therapists, and dental professionals. discuss the roles of each discipline in achieving optimal outcomes.
6. Patient-centered care: explore the principles of patient-centered care and how they apply to infant frenectomy. learn how to engage with parents and caregivers effectively, addressing their concerns and ensuring their active involvement in the decision-making process.
7. Post-procedure care: understand the importance of post-frenectomy care and its impact on the long-term success of the procedure. discuss strategies for monitoring and supporting infants during their recovery.
8. Quality improvement and research: explore opportunities for ongoing quality improvement and research in the field of infant frenectomy, aiming for better outcomes and patient satisfaction.

By the end of this course, participants will be well-prepared to describe infant frenectomy treatments, grasp the significance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, and adopt a holistic approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for infants and their families.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:

1. Review the clinical definition of ankyloglossia and understand why many pediatricians, ent, and pediatric dentist seem to struggle with the concept of posterior tongue-tie.
2. Learn to assess for mobility in the mid-body of the tongue (posterior aspect of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue) via direct observation and palpation techniques.
3. Appreciate recent research regarding the concepts of functional ankyloglossia and upper lip ties as it relates to feeding, speech, breathing, sleep, growth and development.
4. Recognize that tongue-tie is only piece of the puzzle and learn about the importance of collaborative care, early intervention, and long- term follow-up to ensure optimal and long-lasting results.
5. Advocate to help establish functional and integrative pediatric dentistry as the new standard of care and learn how you can help to contribute to research in this field.

Continued Education Units (CEUs) may be available after completion of a short quiz. After completing the quiz, participants receive a certificate of course completion that may be used to submit to their respective associations, for credit.

The entire registration cost is donated to the Sequoia Birth Collective nonprofit organization to further educational programs for parents such as this.

Questions? Please contact Heather at heather@sequoiabirthcollective.org