SAVE MONEY AND BUNDLE! This course is also offered for a discounted rate as part of a 3-course bundle. Look for the “ADHA25 Clinical Skills for the Future Workshop Bundle” in the course catalog to register.

Speakers: Leciel K. Bono, RDH-ER, MS, EdDc, FADHA & Peggy Lelesi, RDH, MS, FADHA

Program Track: Clinical

Course Description: Discover how salivary diagnostics can be used in personalized precision dentistry to elevate clinical practice or dental hygiene education. Participants will explore the role of salivary diagnostics in patient care and dental hygiene curriculum development, gaining practical skills interpreting test results and creating customized treatment plans through engaging case studies and small group discussions. Clinicians will design an office protocol implementing salivary diagnostics chairside; while educators will develop engaging clinical exercises for students integrating this emerging technology, addressing ethical considerations, patient communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This interactive workshop equips attendees with actionable strategies to take back to their clinic or educational settings using salivary diagnostics to improve patient outcomes and prepare future dental hygienists for the evolving landscape of oral health care. *Note: This course offers a closed-captioned option as well as auto-translated subtitles in 10 languages.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze current clinical applications of salivary diagnostics, including their role in dental care, periodontal therapy, and systemic disease detection.
• Interpret patient salivary diagnostic results to customize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes based on clinical evidence.
• Design a curriculum module or clinical exercise that uses salivary diagnostics to teach evidence-based practices to enhance student engagement and clinical competence.
• Evaluate the potential for future advancements in salivary diagnostics, particularly in systemic disease detection and management, along with their integration into interprofessional healthcare teams.

CE Credit Hours: 1.5

Course Creation Date: October 5, 2025

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2026). 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.