Explore the intricate interplay between oral health and systemic well-being. Delve into the pivotal roles that inflammation, periodontal and endodontic disease, diabetes, nutrition, and airway health play in shaping health vitality. Discover the latest advancements in testing and treatments that bridge the gap between dentistry and medicine, enabling a comprehensive approach that enhances patient health. Learn how targeted testing and interprofessional collaboration enhance the bi-directional relationship between oral and systemic health for optimal patient outcomes. 

Dr. DeWitt Wilkerson   
Introduction to the Oral Systemic Connection
8 – 9 a.m.              

Dentistry is the study of oral health and disease. The next frontier in dentistry expands the study to how oral diseases impact the rest of the body and how issues such as diabetes and systemic inflammation impact oral health. In this session filled with new insights, we will explore what complete health issues the dental profession should address, how we get started, and how we communicate this expanded focus with our dental patients. 

Dr. Tieraona Low Dog                                                                                                      
Effects of Inflammation on the Body and your Overall Health
9 – 10 a.m.

While acute inflammation is a vital and life-saving component of our body's immune and healing response, there is a growing consensus that persistent inflammation is a common pathway for developing disorders ranging from heart disease to depression to cancer. In this highly informative session, we will explore the relationship between inflammation, disease, and oral health; and, more importantly, discuss strategies for squelching the smoldering fire within.

Dr. Ellie Campbell and Lora Hooper                                   
How to Test for Inflammatory Markers & How Physicians Use This Information to Improve Our Patients' Overall Health
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

To optimize medical/dental collaboration, doctors must know about medical testing with dental implications. This session introduces root-cause triggers of inflammation and oxidative stress, including the application of specific serum, salivary and urine tests, and analysis of medical radiology that has dental implications. Once testing abnormalities are identified, clinicians can apply a toolbox of treatments that will include lifestyle suggestions, medications, supplements and herbal/homeopathic remedies. Solutions will be provided for creating and nurturing relationships with local collaborative partners. 

Lunch will be provided from 12 – 1 p.m.                                                                                          

Dr. Susan Maples 
Diabetes Detection in the Dental Office and Collaboration with Medical Professionals 
1 – 2 p.m.
Given the bi-directional relationship between periodontal disease and undetected diabetes it’s critical that we detect diabetes chairside BEFORE we render a periodontal treatment plan. As dental professionals, this has become our responsibility, working in concert with physicians to heal patients. 

Panel Discussion with All Speakers

2 - 3 p.m.

Discover essential strategies for preventing oral cancers through integrative medicine. Understand risk factors, early signs, and the oral systemic connection. Explore holistic approaches, including lifestyle and nutrition. Identify root causes of oxidative stress and inflammation and what is altering the micro-terrain while emphasizing evidence-based practices. Learn prevention strategies for oral cancers including which medications to use and to avoid, vaccination and supplementation, along with the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers. Join us in taking a proactive role in cancer prevention through this interdisciplinary course.

Technology Recommendations

When viewing a pre-recorded course, we suggest the following:

Close all other applications and programs on your device.
Consider limiting the streaming on other devices in your viewing location.
Optimal viewing is on a computer or tablet.
A minimum 5MB connection is recommended, but please note that a 15-20MB connection is optimal.
The best way to prevent or stop buffering when streaming is to reduce anything that impedes the stream.

Date Available: 12/5/2023

Date Reviewed: 3/1/24

Date Removed: 5/31/24

Dentists play a critical role in the overall health of patients. We can assist our fellow healthcare professionals in providing better care through lifesaving medical/dental screenings. This course will equip attendees to treat several pathogens found in salivary diagnostics and apply advanced dental treatments that may be needed based on radiological imaging abnormalities.

Discover the basic principles of Functional Medicine. In this course we will discuss 10 wellness fundamentals for yourselves and your patients as we contrast functional medicine with other approaches, assessing root cause resolution. Develop a toolbox to apply diagnoses and treatments.