Eating Disorder Awareness in Dentistry comes to CNIH

On March 21, 2007 the student body of CNIH attended an informative and inspirational talk on eating disorders presented by Jen Charbonneau. Jen has been a registered dental hygienist for 20 years and is a survivor of Bulimia, a life threatening eating disorder. She is a recognized speaker by the ODHA Professional Development Task Force. She also has completed a Crisis Management Counseling Program and is certified by the Psychology Foundation of Canada as a "Kids have Stress Too" facilitator.

Jen's dynamic presentation covered the types of eating disorders, recognition of signs & symptoms, predisposing factors and the professional responsibility of dental hygienists. Eating disorders are a "silent epidemic". A staggering 70,000 new cases were reported in North America last year. Mass media, trendy diets and social trends have pushed the number of those afflicted to staggering numbers. Dental professionals are in a perfect position to see evidence of eating disorders in the oral cavity everyday.

In Jen's words, "the food and body conflict is a disconnection from the spirit. By looking to others for self-definition, we may feel disappointed and defeated if we don't measure up. Thinness in this culture is strongly equated with popularity, success, self-control and beauty. There are a high percentage of people who develop dieting behaviors as a result of this externally focused society. For individuals who have poor self-esteem, who feel ineffectual, unlovable and/or out of control of their lives, often the only way of taking control is seen as through their body. Dieting is largely about the search for self-esteem, not vanity." Jen goes on to explain that " each of us as human beings are a mind, body and a spirit, and integrating the pieces allow us to be whole. With courage and support, we can search for a deeper awareness and reclaim our intuition and reconnect with the spirit where we will find the answers. The answers are not in fashion magazines, in others opinions of who we are, the answers are in the depth of our own soul. Food and eating disorders provide a distraction and an outlet for our pain, it takes faith to walk the path towards recovery and that path leads to an amazing journey of self discovery and eventual TRIUMPH!"

Jen's presentation brought a new awareness to all who attended on the clinical signs of eating disorders and the psychological implications. By understanding eating disorders, we as dental hygienist are better prepared to discuss and counsel clients in order to direct them for the appropriate professional help.