Speakers: Anne O. Rice, RDH, BS, FAAOSH, CDP and Ann E. Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH

Program Track: Clinical

Course Description: The Dental Hygienists' Role in Prevention and Overall Health through Oral Medicine: Periodontal diseases are a challenge to manage in and of themselves. But research demonstrates their close association with systemic disease as well, which adds layers of complexity and urgency to their care. Take this journey to broaden your understanding of the connections between periodontal and systemic diseases and learn care strategies to mitigate and prevent the impact of oral disease on systemic health. This course will highlight the oral-systemic connections and periodontal pathogens associated with Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. Armed with this information, we’ll use assessment resources to anticipate oral-systemic connections. Finally, we will explore approaches and care strategies aimed at preventing the impact of oral disease on systemic health. Ultimately, the prevention of periodontal disease by evaluating and addressing signs of gingivitis and treating it, is where our greatest power lies as oral care providers and teaching our patients to learn how to manage appropriate oral hygiene and self-care regimens.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify periodontal pathogens associated with systemic conditions.
• Utilize assessment resources to anticipate oral-systemic connections.
• Provide care strategies to prevent the impact of oral disease on systemic health.

CE Credit Hours: 4.5

Original Date of Session: June 17, 2023

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2023–Dec. 31, 2023). 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.