Presented by Ms. Diane Mullins, RDH, MS, CDIPC and Dr. Terri Tilliss, RDH, MA, MS, PhD

As a dental professional, you play a vital role in patient care—sometimes beyond oral health. Understanding suicide risk factors, warning signs, and effective communication strategies can make a life-saving difference. This webinar provides essential training on adolescent brain development, psychological states linked to suicidal ideation and practical intervention techniques. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to recognize at-risk individuals and respond appropriately.

Objectives:

• Identify the language of safety when discussing suicide.
• Determine how adolescent brain development and risk-taking impacts suicidal ideation.
• Explain the most common co-occurring disorders associated with suicidal thoughts.
• Identify three psychological states associated with suicide and recognize someone at risk for suicide.
• Learn skills to offer help to those in need.
• Recognize the role of oral healthcare providers in suicide prevention

Ms. Diane Mullins has over 25 years of dental experience, including dental assisting, clinical dental hygienist, educator and tutor. After losing her brother to suicide, she has been eager to raise suicide awareness. She speaks on various topics including suicide prevent and awareness and other topics pertaining to dentistry and overall health.

Dr. Terri Tilliss is Professor Emerita at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine where she taught in the Dental Hygiene Department for 27 years and served as co-chair for five years. After that, Dr. Tilliss was a Professor in the Department of Orthodontics for 13 years where she facilitated resident research projects, taught health communication skills to medical and dental students and provided patient dental hygiene services. Her special interest areas are communication and behavior change. Dr. Tilliss has published in the dental and dental hygiene literature and presented educational programs nationally and internationally.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Rate:
$0 MDDS Member
$0 MDDS Dental Team
$25 MDDS Non-member
$25 MDDS Non-member Dental Team

Location: Zoom Webinar

CE Credits: 1.5

Format: Webinar (Live and on-demand for 3 months)

Speaker Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Non-Reported

Cancellation Deadline: May 8, 2025

Registration Deadline: May 14, 2025

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will be accepted and are entitled to a refund provided they are received at MDDS by the cancellation deadline. Refunds will not be given for cancellations after the cancellation deadline.