| Classes and Training | Past Events | Educational Articles | Grant’s Received |
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IN-SERVICES: 3 ONE-HOUR IN-SERVICES FOR DIRECT CARE STAFF AND OTHER HEALTH AND LONG TERM SERVICE AND SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS
Provided by:
Focus Areas:
Compassion, Commitment, Collaboration, and a lot of hard work were the cornerstones of a successful day.
Congratulations to Dana Coates and Amber Cooke… new MCM instructors, and thanks to existing MCM instructors who participated in the all-day training to receive updates to the training and future program plans. Special thanks to Robin McNeil, Clinical Dental Hygienist for the Geriatric and Special Needs Clinic at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Tammy Steinwandt, LPN, BS, MHA, Coordinator for Health Care at Des Moines Area Community College, and Carole Ferch, RDH, I-Smile Silver Coordinator, Scott County Health Department for teaching the all-day training. Thanks to Johanna Land for making arrangements for DMACC to host the meeting, another MCM instructor training will be held late September or early October.
Kirkwood Continues Commitment to Oral Health Through Mouth Care MattersKudos to these Kirkwood Community College students who just completed the Mouth Care Matters class! And a big Thank You to Lisa Hebl, BS RDH MEd Professor, Clinical Coordinator, Dental Hygiene at Kirkwood for continuing to teach this important class to benefit her students and those they may serve now or will in the future.
The first virtual Mouth Care Matters (MCM) class was held on December 3 and 4, 2020 with 20 participants. Mouth Care Matters Virtually will make it possible for more individuals to receive this excellent training program. Congratulations to all who took part! Special thanks to MCM instructors, Robin McNeil, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and MCM instructors Carole Ferch, and Trese Castle. Thanks also to Tammy Steinwandt, Des Moines Area Community College, a member of the planning team, and MCM instructors, Sharon Kuttler and Cindy DeWall, who observed to better prepare for teaching future virtual MCM classes.
Click here to view the photo gallery!
Twenty-four (24) licensed nurses in Polk County participated in the Mouth Care Matters class made possible by a Polk County Board of Supervisors’ Community Betterment grant. Broadlawns Medical Center and Des Moines Area Community College hosted the classes. Licensed nurses and other supervisors of direct are staff play a critical role in ensuring that a high priority is placed on oral care at all levels. Thanks to all of our partners and participants!!
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Mason City Becke Dorenbush, MCM Instructor, Car’ Lisa Brown, Resident Assistant, Olivia Hollister, Resident Assistant, John Joyner, Manager, Mary Ann Young |
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Grundy Center Katelyn VanWechel, Resident Assistant, Darren Oltman, Resident Assistant, Kaylene Hoskins, Manager, Carol Van Aernam, MCM Instructor |
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Western Home Sharon Kuttler, MCM Instructor; Julie Lotz, Senior Director of Assisted Living; Linda Larson, Director of Clinical Services; Emily Cayton, CNA; Carol Van Aernam, MCM Instructor; Amy Czuba, Resident Assistant; Laverne Kelderman, CA |
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Edencrest at The Legacy in Norwalk Joy Laudick, Director of Clinical Quality Manager; Jill Clements, Manager; Michelle Johnson, Resident Assistant; Carol Van Aernam, Iowa CareGivers Mouth Care Matters Instructor |
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Ballard Creek Assisted Living in Huxley Kimberly Rivera, R.N.; Sarita Nepal, Direct Care Worker; Abby Wait, Direct Care Worker; Carol Van Aernam, Iowa CareGivers Mouth Care Matters Instructor |
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The Cedars of Madrid Home Assisted Living David Schmitz, Dietary Manager; Sue Hyland, MCM Instructor; Kristen Canham, Administrator; Emma Reiter, Universal Worker; Gloria Vermie, Iowa Healthcare Collaborative. |
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Home Instead Senior Care Urbandale Lisa Marsh, Direct Care Worker; Mary Kelly, Mouth Care Matters Instructor; Heather Barber, Consultant, Home Instead Senior Care |
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Home Instead Senior Care Urbandale Dera Aswegan, Training and Development Coordinator; Mary Kelly, Mouth Care Matters Instructor; Tina Campbell & Teresa Benson, Direct Care Workers |
Licensed nurses and other health professionals from the MCM Phase II project sites had the opportunity to participate in the following two MCM classes held at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny and Western Homes in Cedar Falls.
· A one-hour oral health in-service
· Presented by certified MCM Instructors
· Learn why good oral health is important to overall health
· Learn more about MCM
· Provided by Iowa CareGivers, as funding permits
MCM classes are available to direct care staff, as well as to nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, supervisory staff, case managers, and others. Classes are available at a variety of venues.
Mouth Care Matters Instructors Busy Teaching MCM Classes and In-Services!
Special thanks to Lisa Hebl, MCM Instructor @ Kirkwood who was pleasantly surprised to learn that one of the MCM students had participated in the MY Daisy, Brownie, and Girl Scout troop that she led.
Click here to see photo gallery.
FIFTY (50) Attend MCM In-services at Pleasant View Care Center in Whiting
Impressive Numbers and Commitment to Ensure ALL Staff Have the Opportunity to Participate! Kudos to All!
Click here to see photo gallery.
Optimae Life Services in Bloomfield Places Priority on Oral Care
Kudos to ALL Who Participated!!!
Iowa Central Community College CNA Class Reaps Benefit of Dental Hygiene Student Presentations on Oral Health with the support and supervision of Cindy DeWall, RDH, BA, M.Ed, Dental Hygiene Coordinator, Dental Hygiene Instructor, & IC Mouth Care Matters Instructor, Iowa Central Community College.
Iowa Central Community College Dental Hygienist Students on the Move Again…This Time a Mouth Care Matters Oral Health In-service at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. A win-win situation for CNAs, the individuals they serve, their employer, and the dental hygienist students. Thanks and Congrats!! Effort was led by Cindy DeWall, RDH, BA, M.Ed, Dental Hygiene Coordinator, Dental Hygiene Instructor, Iowa Central Community College & IC Mouth Care Matters Instructor.
Congratulations to Lantern Park Staff!Lantern Park Staff Participated in Mouth Care Matters (MCM) In-Service Conducted by Robin McNeil, RDH, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Iowa CareGivers MCM Instructor. Congratulations to ALL!!!!!
Great Students! Great Instructors! Great Supportive Nursing Staff!
Congratulations and Thanks to ALL!
View the entire photo gallery here!
What Graduates Said They Learned:
“I should remind and encourage good oral care practices to my clients, and help them, if they need it.”
“There were many suggestions for helping my son (who has a disability) to brush teeth better.”
“How many problems in the mouth can impact the rest of the body”
“That pneumonia can be caused by poor dental hygiene.”
Rehabilitation Center of Allison Hosts Mouth Care Matters (MCM) In-serviceTrese Castle, MCM Instructor, conducted a MCM in-service for staff at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.
Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Instructors are available to provide one-hour Oral Care in-services for health care employers. A limited number of in-services are available at NO COST to the employer through June 30, 2019.
The purpose of the in-service is to build awareness of the:
Kirkwood Community College KPACE Students Graduate from Mouth Care Matters – Congrats to all and Kudos to Instructor, Lisa HeblWe wish all graduates the best in their future classes.
May you find employment that you love!
What is KPACE?
KPACE is a career pathway training program designed to help individuals earn credentials in increments; enabling students options along the training pathway to either seek employment using the credential earned or to continue training, earning additional credentials that increase their earning potential. The program is intended to assist students in earning credentials in high-demand industries for the purpose of obtaining gainful employment after training. Students in PACE programming receive customized academic, career, and personal supports through a Pathway Navigator to assist them in successfully completing training, earning a credential and obtaining employment.
Visit the full photo gallery here!
Who Are Those Masked Mouth Care Matters Instructors!!??25 Mouth Care Matters Instructors and Iowa CareGivers staff and consultants spent yesterday discussing the current status of the Mouth Care Matters program and making plans for the future.
It was a great day with lots of great ideas shared.
Kudos to all! And thanks to Julie McMahon for facilitating.
Stay tuned!
Lifelong Smiles Coalition is a multi-stakeholder coalition that shares a common goal of assuring access to optimal oral health so that successful aging can occur. The initiative, led by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation (DDIAF), also funded 3 major grant projects including Mouth Care Matters (MCM), an oral health specialty training for those who work in direct care; the I Smile Silver program; and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry’s Office of Education and Training. Representatives of the Coalition and the MCM project co-presented during the Governor’s Conference on Public Health.
Dental Hygienist Students Display Mouth Care Matters and I-Smile Silver Programs During IDHA Poster SessionEmma Degner and Savanna Snyder and Savanna Snyder, future dental hygienists, and students at Iowa Central Community College Dental Hygiene Program developed and presented, at the Iowa Dental Hygienist’s Association’s conference, a poster that featured information about the Mouth Care Matters and I-Smile Silver programs. The two initiatives of the Lifelong Smiles Coalition are funded by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation and other supporters.
Oral Health Workshop Well-received at May 2, 2018 LeadingAge ConferenceCarole Ferch, I-Smile Silver Coordinator for Scott County and Carol Van Aernam, Iowa CareGivers Consultant, presented a workshop about the importance of good oral care on overall health, approaches to delivering oral care, and identifying normal and abnormal conditions of the mouth. The presenters are registered dental hygienists and Mouth Care Matters certified instructors.
We thank the Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association (IDHA) for their financial support, and for their role in recruiting an excellent team of hygienists who have become Mouth Care Matters (MCM) instructors and thank them for their support. Learn more at:www.iowadha.com
Mary Ann Young’s commitment to MCM is unwavering. As Manager of the Mouth Care Matters project, she has immersed herself into the project, building relationships, and promoting the program. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary Ann, her husband, Bill, and sister, Karen, for their generous donation in memory of their parents, Maizie and Max Hollander, and we extend our condolences for the recent loss of their father. Thank you!!
These two contributions will make possible another Mouth Care Matters class, scheduled for
September 18, 2018
in Davenport, IA.
Eastern Iowa Community College
West Davenport Center
2950 N Fairmount St.
Davenport, IA 52804
Please watch our website for more details.
When asked what changes they would make in their personal work activities to address the delivery of oral care, responses included:
100% said the program was excellent or very good
100% said the training enhanced their knowledge about the link between oral health and one’s overall health and well-being.
100% said the training better prepared them to support other staff under their supervision and/or co-workers in providing good oral care.
Special Thanks to Mary Kelly and Carol Van Aernam, Mouth Care Matters Instructors and to Iowa Valley Community College for Providing Nursing CEUs. Iowa Valley Community College in Marshalltown may be hosting another Mouth Care Matters class in the future.
3 Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters Graduates Featured at IALA Conference Three Senior Housing Management Direct Care Professionals who recently graduated from Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters shared their experiences and opinions about the training during the Iowa Assisted Living Association’s Annual Conference and some of their quotes are referenced below. Kudos to all!
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“I learned more through Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters than I did through the CNA training. The Mouth Care Matters slides grossed me out, but because of the training, I was able to comfort an agitated individual who was in hospice care simply by cleaning the individual’s mouth.” Thomas Anderson
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“The Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters programs teach them (direct care staff) to think outside the box.” Lee Hogg, Healthcare Coordinator, Country Meadow Place, Mason City
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“Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters give us the confidence to do the job more effectively, and to better serve our residents and their families.” Audra Randles
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“I got my CNA through a high school class, but Prepare to Care and Mouth Care Matters is different from the CNA class because it gets deeper into the training and includes information on ethics and professionalism.” Cierra Johnson
Congrats to KPACE Students that Graduated from Mouth Care Matters Kirkwood Community College
Congrats to KPACE Students that Graduated from Mouth Care Matters -- Kirkwood Community College
We wish all graduates the best in their future classes.
May you find employment that you love!
What is KPACE?
KPACE is a career pathway training program designed to help individuals earn credentials in increments; enabling students options along the training pathway to either seek employment using the credential earned or to continue training, earning additional credentials that increase their earning potential. The program is intended to assist students in earning credentials in high-demand industries for the purpose of obtaining gainful employment after training. Students in PACE programming receive customized academic, career, and personal supports through a Pathway Navigator to assist them in successfully completing training, earning a credential and obtaining employment.
Mouth Care Matters Class at DMACC Southridge a Success! Des Moines Area Community College hosted the most recent MCM class at its Southridge campus. Big thanks to our instructors Mary Kelly, Carol Hooper, and Carol Van Aernam. Congratulations to our newest group of graduates!
Click here to view the full photo gallery.
NICC Dubuque Hosts Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Class "The Mouth Care Matters training was excellent. The information was very valuable in terms of taking back the information to our place of employment and putting it to use in our profession as caregivers."
Fran Mancl, Certified Nursing Assistant, Stonehill Franciscan
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) in Dubuque hosted its first MCM Class! It was a great class and thanks to the students, NICC, and Linda Rowe, Nancy Miller, and Carol Van Aernam, Dental Hygienists, and MCM instructors!
Click here to see the photo gallery!
Kirkwood Mouth Care Matters Graduates! Congratulations to 12 new Kirkwood Community College students and 2 direct care professionals from Meth Wick who learn about the importance of ensuring that they and those they serve receive good oral care.
Students Have Fun Testing the Effectiveness of Brushing Teeth Using Pink Disclosing Solution
Click here to view the full photo gallery.
Mouth Care Matters in Marshalltown Congrats to grads at Iowa Valley Community College!
Click here to see the full photo gallery.
Mouth Care Matters (MCM) Graduates Promote Program at Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual MeetingSally Chapman and Donna Cheers, Hospice Aides with HCI/VNS (Creston Iowa Area), take time from their busy schedules to attend, on behalf of Iowa CareGivers, the Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Annual Meeting in Cedar Rapids to promote the MCM training.
MCM is a one-day oral health course for those in direct care. IT is an initiative of the Lifelong Smiles Coalition and funded by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and Iowa Department of Public Health.
20 From Warren County Public Health and Senior Housing Management Embrace Mouth Care Matters! CONGRATS! Click here to view Photo Gallery
95% of attendees indicated that taking Mouth Care Matters contributed to the likelihood they will stay in the field of direct care and with their current employer.
“After struggling with the use of temp agencies, implementing referral-based bonuses, new employee appreciation incentives, and advertising employment on everything but water and air, we think we're finally on the right track to developing and growing a class of “prepared” and reliable health care employees through a partnership with local colleges. With this free training, coupled with tuition reimbursement, a competitive wage, lucrative 401k program and full benefits, we have seen an uptick in employee development and a genuine interest and passion in their day to day routines.” Kayle Jenson, Senior Housing Management
Mouth Care Matters Training to Be Piloted With Family Caregivers Carol Van Aernam, Dental Hygienist demonstrates to Ann Black, AARP Iowa and Kay Vanags, Family Caregiver program, and partners in the effort, an approach to assisting an individual with brushing their teeth. I Smile Silver will also serve as a resource to family caregivers in the mini-pilot.
Mouth Care Matters Graduates Host ExhibitDonna Cheers (left), Sally Chapman (right), Hospice Aides, HCI, with Carol Van Aernam, Lifelong Smiles Coalition member and Mouth Care Matters instructor (far right), hosted an exhibit for the Lifelong Smiles Coalition and Mouth Care Matters during the Iowa Dental Hygienist’s Association’s conference at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny. They were able to share, first-hand, the value of the Mouth Care Matters training. Thanks Donna and Sally!
Click Here for Photo Gallery
More Mouth Care Matters Students to Applaud!Candeo Takes On Mouth Care Matters Training!
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Ottumwa Job Corps Adds Mouth Care Matters to Their Program
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Mouth Care Matters Direct Care Professional, click here
Mouth Care Matters General Public Flyer, click here
Mouth Care Matters Employer Flyer, click here
Important Note: Individuals must first successfully complete the 6-hour Prepare to Care Core training before enrolling in the Mouth Care Matters class. We highly recommend that those interested take the Core as soon as they can in order to be ready to sign up for Mouth Care Matters classes when they become available. Call or email Mary Ann Young if you have questions at maryann@iowacaregivers.org
Congratulations To 97 Direct Care Workers Completing Mouth Care Matters Oral Health Specialty Training!!
DMACC Supports Mouth Care Matters"DMACC is dedicated to the education and support of direct care professionals. DMACC strives to meet the needs of the community and we know this is a huge need." - Jaime Haub
23 Dental Hygienists Became Mouth Care Matters’ InstructorsTwenty-three dental hygienists completed the Mouth Care Matters Oral Health Specialty Instructor Training, developed and taught by Drs. Anita Stineman and Howard Cowen, University of Iowa Colleges of Nursing and Dentistry respectively.
Mouth Care Matters Milestone Reception Held To Congratulate New InstructorsTo celebrate this project milestone a reception, sponsored by DMACC, was held for curriculum developers, funders, instructors, Life Long Smiles Coalition members, and other supporters. Thank you to everyone who joined in the celebration and congrats to the new instructor Grads!
Click here to view photos of the Reception
Oral Health Campaign Pilot Begins Pictured L to R: (front) Shonna Partelow, Wesley; Danielle Bloxham, Wesley; (back) Carly Nelson, Madrid; April Elsberry, Madrid; Danielle Walters, Madrid; Sadie Fuson, Madrid; Teresa Pena, Madrid; Sue Hyland, dental hygienist. Not pictured: Carol Van Aernam, dental hygienist; MaryAnn Young, Iowa CareGivers; Pam Biklen, Iowa CareGivers
As part of the Mouth Care Matters project, Madrid Home Communities and Wesley helped plan and conduct an oral health campaign within their organizations. A committee, with representatives from each organization led by two dental hygienists and Iowa CareGivers staff, developed materials and programs for the campaign that could easily be modified and implemented into any setting. Madrid and Wesley staff and residents participated in several activities highlighting oral health, including educational articles, posters, in-services and more! The purpose was to simply raise attention to the importance of oral health because “there is no health without oral health.”* *Surgeon General, Report on Oral Health, 2000
