The Supportive Role of Industry

Recently, I attended the California Dental Association Meeting in Anaheim. I had the opportunity to meet with many of the wonderful company representatives who support Dimensions of Dental Hygiene by advertising with us.

One of our clients thanked me for a message I posted in a forum on www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com about company sponsorship of continuing education (CE) programs. Several months ago, a forum member had written that she was wary of presentations backed by corporate support. Corporate support comes in various ways, such as payment of the speaker’s honorarium or travel expenses. Sometimes, the company will provide an educational grant directly to the hosting organization to temper costs. The member had a valid point-she didn’t want to attend a CE program that was merely an infomercial for a product and was concerned that this would be the case if sponsorship was provided.

I understand both sides of this issue. I’m a dental hygienist who wants quality CE, yet sometimes companies sponsor me to present programs. Often, the only way a small organization (like a dental hygiene component or smaller constituent) can get a CE speaker is with corporate sponsorship. The vast majority of dental hygiene speakers currently presenting programs are keenly aware that today’s audiences are very discerning. They want up-to-date information based on science, not anecdotes or opinions. Plus speakers know that their reputation-their most important asset- is on the line and thus won’t compromise it. Word travels fast about speakers who are biased and their careers are short-lived.  Don’t dismiss a presentation simply because it is given by someone who is sponsored by a company. By the same token, be knowledgeable so you can determine fact from hype. Use evidence-based decision-making when researching products (there will be more about that topic in an upcoming issue of Dimensions, so stay tuned…).

With that in mind, we hope our third annual Purchasing Guide assists you in learning more about the companies that champion dental hygiene and the products they provide. You’ll find a company index and product index to help you search for products and their manufacturers. This year we also added a brand name index so you can find out which companies make which product lines.

Be sure to contact these companies with questions or to request samples and research. At the same time, let them know how much you appreciate their generosity in helping our profession. From sponsoring evidence-based CE to supporting journals like Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, we appreciate their support!

—Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

jrethman@belmontpublications.com

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene . August 2005;3(8):10.