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.

As women search for ways to optimize their health, they must sift through an enormous amount of recommendations advertised in both conventional and complementary medicine. What is your personal health IQ? Do you know ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis? Are natural hormones safe? Should you get hormone replacement? Join Dr. Tieraona Low Dog for this highly informative session and explore strategies for optimizing health in women across the lifespan.

A growing body of evidence now shows the direct link between nutrition, dietary supplements and oral health. However, many dental professionals feel inadequately prepared to effectively counsel patients on healthy eating and using supplements to fill nutrient gaps. This discussion is for all members of the health-care team to become familiar with the evidence of safety and benefit for commonly used dietary supplements to enhance patient outcomes and reduce risk of adverse events associated with dental procedures. Learn the cutting-edge science behind the recommendations.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly one-third of all cancer deaths may be diet and/or lifestyle-related. Many of the common foods found in grocery stores or organic markets contain cancer-fighting properties, from the antioxidants that neutralize the damage caused by free radicals to the powerful phytochemicals that scientists are just beginning to explore. Come and investigate the role of nutrition and lifestyle in cancer and understand how you can give yourself an edge.