Explore the powerful connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Discover how dentistry intersects with gut health, brain health, systemic inflammation, metabolic health, nitric oxide and cardiovascular health, and the many factors that influence total wellness. Learn how oral disease and inflammation can affect systems throughout the body—and how systemic conditions can, in turn, impact oral health.

Leading experts will examine the latest science, testing, prevention and treatment strategies that connect dentistry and medicine. These evidence-based lectures will demonstrate how dentistry is helping shape the future of whole-body healthcare. Gain practical insights into how dental professionals can recognize risk factors, collaborate with medical colleagues and play an increasingly important role in helping patients achieve better overall health.

8 - 9 a.m. | Dr. Witt Wilkerson & Lora Hooper |  Where Does Dentistry Meet Total Wellness?

 9 - 10 a.m. | Dr. Pedram Shojai | Where Dentistry Meets Gut Wellness

10 - 11 a.m. | Dr. Anne Rice |  Where Dentistry Meets Brain Wellness

11 - 11:30 a.m. | LUNCH in Room (lunch is provided to all attendees)

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Dr. Alan Reisinger |  Where Dentistry Meets Systemic Inflammation

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Dr. Robert Lustig |  Where Dentistry Meets Sugar & Diabetes

 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Dr. Nathan Bryan| Where Dentistry Meets Nitric Oxide & Blood Pressure

 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. | Panel discussion with all speakers 

Note: Lunch will be provided

We live in a viral and dangerous world! Despite being the most advanced nation in history, we continue to struggle with chronic health issues such as perio, sleep disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. But what does that have to do with Dentistry? Everything! More than ever we are learning that oral health is critical to complete health. Dentistry is the specialty of oral medicine. The mouth is the gateway to the whole body, and we are the gatekeepers of the gateway. Let's review what we are learning about the oral-systemic connection, focusing on sleep, saliva and sugar, and the steps we can take to proactively engage in a more comprehensive level of care for ourselves and our patients. The Dentist-Hygienist Team should and can be the superstars of total health & wellness.

Note: It is suggested attendees wear short sleeve shirts to participate with the glucose testing during the course. 

Airway and sleep problems can drive bruxism, tooth wear, sore muscles, headaches, TMD and dental malocclusions. Breakdown in the temporomandibular joints will diminish airway, create dental malocclusions, wear and sore muscles. These are some of our greatest challenges in dentistry to properly diagnose and manage. This presentation will help you understand the root causes and how to screen, test and treat these disorders. This will include a thorough discussion of the appropriate use of splint therapy.