Speaker: Lancette VanGuilder, RDH, BS

Course Description: Research first appeared in the 1950’s proving that oral bacteria enters the bloodstream. Today, research continues to emerge on the mouth-body connection and the critical role oral health plays in overall health and wellness. This course provides an in depth look at the many contributing factors to inflammation and specifically the correlation between obesity and periodontal disease.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify two pathogen pathways implicated in the oral-systemic link
• Discover the association between weight and oral health: periodontal disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer
• Review US BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and nutrition guidelines.
• Discover communication tools for weight discussions in the dental setting

CE Credit Hours: 1.0

Original Date of Session: 30 September 2020

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2022–Dec. 31, 2022). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an approved provider of dental continuing education as recognized by the Dental Board of California, Provider #5238.