Dental hygienists play an important role in recognizing the connections between oral health and overall wellness. At the 2026 NYDHA Empire Conference, attendees will have an opportunity to explore how salivary diagnostics can support this connection and help advance preventive, personalized patient care.
Taking place November 6–8 at the Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge, New York, the annual conference brings dental hygiene professionals together for continuing education, networking, and the latest insights into clinical practice. With up to 11 continuing education hours available, the event offers opportunities to expand clinical knowledge, connect with colleagues, and explore innovations shaping the profession.
One session of particular interest to dental professionals exploring the oral-systemic connection is “Spit Happens: What Your Saliva Says About Your Whole Body Health,” presented by Nichelle Venable, BSDH, RDH.
Scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 3–5 p.m., this two-hour continuing education course will examine the growing role of salivary diagnostics in understanding oral inflammation and its potential connections to systemic health. Participants will explore how salivary testing can identify periodontal pathogens and support the recognition of health risks associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and preterm birth.
The session will also focus on practical ways to incorporate saliva testing into clinical hygiene workflows. Attendees will learn about test selection, communicating the value of testing to patients, and working with medical professionals to support a more comprehensive approach to care.
Venable brings more than 20 years of experience in dentistry, education, and leadership. As the founder of The RDH Humanitarian Project, she is also dedicated to expanding access to preventive dental care for underserved veterans and seniors. Her presentations combine clinical science, real-world strategies, and engaging storytelling to inspire dental professionals to expand their impact.
Beyond this session, the Empire Conference features a variety of educational opportunities, including presentations on artificial intelligence in periodontal disease classification, trauma-informed patient care, lasers in hygiene, and oral-systemic lesions in autoimmune diseases. Attendees can also visit the exhibit hall, connect with industry representatives, and participate in networking and social events throughout the weekend.
Join the conversation about the future of preventive care. The NYDHA 2026 Empire Conference offers dental hygienists an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, discover new approaches to patient care, and explore how saliva testing can contribute to a broader understanding of health.
Learn more about the conference, review the full program, and register at nydha.org/empire-conference.
With over 20 years in dentistry and leadership experience overseeing hygiene and periodontal programs across multiple dental practices, she has helped develop over 100 dental hygienists and drive the growth of more than 50 periodontic programs. She is a graduate of the College of Southern Nevada.
A past President of the Nevada Dental Hygienists’ Association and recipient of the 2024 NDHA Leadership Award, she is passionate about elevating the role of dental hygienists in healthcare through education, leadership, and public health outreach.
Her presentations combine clinical science, real world strategy, and powerful storytelling to inspire dental professionals to practice at the top of their license and make a greater impact in their communities.