|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The Hawai'i Institute for Wellness in Dentistry was founded in 1994 by Diane Brucato-Thomas, RDH, EF, BS in order to increase access to outstanding continuing education for dental health care professionals on the island of Hawaii and thereby, raise the standard level of dental care for the people. While this was the original impetus of the Institute, programs were never intended to be limited only to Big Island dental professionals. Of course, visiting professionals are always welcome! The Institute provides a fine educational forum dedicated to improving the quality of professional lives as well as the quality of service, care, skill and judgment provided for patients/clients. The Hawai'i Institute for Wellness in Dentistry encourages professionals to incorporate excellence into both their professional and personal lives. Membership is open to all health care professionals. The Hawai'i Institute for Wellness in Dentistry is an Approved National Sponsor by the Academy of General Dentistry for FAGD/MAGD credit. |
 |
| To be announced.... |
 |
Diane Brucato-Thomas, RDH, EF, BS, a Dental Hygienist for twenty-six years, specializes in using a "whole person" approach in periodontics. She shares this passion for periodontics with others as a Perioscopy Trainer for DentalView. Ms. Thomas has served as Anesthesia Examiner for the Western Regional Examining Board, serving five states; Recorder for the Hawaii State Board of Dental Examiners; Representative on the Advisory Committee and Advanced Clinical Instructor for Northern Arizona University Dental Hygiene Department; Vice President for the Arizona State Dental Hygienists' Association and Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association; and maintains membership in the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, the American Association of Dental Examiners and the Western Society of Periodontology. Hawaii Dental Hygienists' Association awarded Ms. Thomas "Outstanding Member of the Year" for her legislative efforts in 1999 and, again, in 2003 for her organizational skills as a meeting planner. She has served two years as HDHA Vice President and is presently an Alternate Delegate. Ms. Thomas was the first Hawaii recipient of the "Rosie Wall Community Spirit Grant" from ADHA Institute for Oral Health for her efforts to include dental professionals in an existing interdisciplinary coalition to prevent abuse and neglect of children and elderly in her community. In 2002, she received national recognition as one of the first recipients of the BUTLER GUM / RDH Magazine Healthy Gums, Healthy Life Award of Distinction for her unique philosophy of patient care.In 1994, Ms. Thomas founded the Hawai'i Institute for Wellness in Dentistry; an educational forum recognized as an Approved PACE Program Provider (FAGD/MAGD Credit), accredited by the American Academy of General Dentistry. HIWD is dedicated to increasing access to outstanding continuing education for dental health care professionals; in an effort to raise the standard level of dental health care for people on the Island of Hawaii. This is demonstrated in the numerous programs, presented by top-name internationally known speakers, that Ms. Thomas has organized over the years. With a long time interest in psychology, sociology, child development, and team building; Ms. Thomas was trained as a volunteer counselor for the chronically mentally ill, is experienced in facilitation, and was a Training Associate for Family Community Leadership. A gifted storyteller, Ms. Thomas has enriched the lives of many people of all ages throughout her community, both as an "Artist in the Schools" and at gatherings of all ages; utilizing archetypal images from stories to provide healing and a creative method for personal growth. As a writer, Ms. Thomas has enjoyed teaching creative writing to teenagers and captures rich family history in short stories and poems. She has been published in Chicken Soup for Soul: A Fourth Course and Love is the Best Medicine: for Dental Patients and Dental Teams. In the latter, her story, "A Grain of Tooth" shared Grand Prize for Best Story Written by a Dental Hygienist. In addition, she has been published in September/October 2002 issue of the peer reviewed Journal of Practical Hygiene. Ms. Thomas loves horseback riding in the Puna rainforest and dancing hula. |
 |
Phone: (808) 965-7675 P. O. Box 2065 • Pahoa, Hawai'i, 96778 Email: dmbt@hawaiiantel.net |
