6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Central Time
Speaker: Vidya Sankar, DMD, MHS


Presented in collaboration with the American Academy of Oral Medicine

Dry mouth is one of the most common oral health conditions affection adults in the United States. It is estimated that about one in four individuals suffer from dry mouth  and the condition is more prevalent in people over 50 years of age. The most common cause of dry mouth is side effects of medications, radiation treatment to the head and neck and systemic disease such as Sjogren's disease. Xerostomia has tremendous impact on patients' quality of life, and if it is associated with decreased saliva production, can lead to a host of oral problems such as mucosal trauma, infections, burning and caries. This presentation will review the common clinical features, help you assess the cause of the dryness and identify treatment options and referral options. In addition to this presentation on dry mouth, participants will also be introduced to the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

• Discuss difference between xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction
• Identify common signs and symptoms associated with a dry mouth
• Review management of patients with a dry mouth
• Introduce dental hygienists to the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Speaker: Vidya Sankar, DMD, MHS, received her DMD from Rutgers Dental School, Masters in Health Science from Duke University, Certificate in Oral Medicine from the NIH/NIDCR and is certified by the American Board of Oral Medicine. She is President of the American Academy of Oral Medicine, Division Director and Residency Director at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is Treasurer for the Sjogren's Foundation.