Over 80 percent of Americans are experiencing insulin resistance which impacts every organ in the body and plays a major role in acute and chronic disease. Systemic inflammation often manifests itself orally, and there is a bidirectional relationship between insulin resistance, diabetes, and periodontal disease. We will examine the root cause of oral and systemic inflammation and construct practical chairside solutions for your practice. Learn how periodontal pathogens affect gut health and discover oral products to promote symbiosis.

Not every preventive product is created equally, and each patient must be properly assessed for their own individual hard and soft tissue risks. Update your everyday preventative protocol as we review the root cause of periodontal disease and tooth decay. We will discuss common risk factors that often go unevaluated during hygiene visits and chairside biomarkers that allow us to evaluate the pathogens, pH, and buffering capacity. Examine chairside technologies that enhance the patient experience and compare preventive oral health products.

Ms. Shannon Nanne | 8 – 9:30 a.m. | Become a Hero of Dentistry and Solve the Dry Mouth Mystery!

Xerostomia is not a disease; however, it is a serious condition that is annoying, uncomfortable and caused by a disease or underlying condition. Xerostomia affects quality of life while speaking, eating or trying to sleep. Hypo-salivation can damage hard and soft tissues of the mouth while presenting a clinical challenge in the operatory. Twenty five percent of your patients suffer from this terrible affliction. Let's evaluate treatment options and provide products that work!

Ms. Amber Auger | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | Effective and Profitable Collaborative Care: Leveraging Communication between Hygienists and Dentists

Dental hygienists hold the key to your practice's success, with nearly 80% of the practice revenue coming from their chairs. This program aims to develop a foundation for exceptional leadership skills to create a true partnership with the dental hygienist. This program will encourage a unique method of partnership to transform employees into practice stakeholders.

Ms. Stephanie Botts | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Perfect Posture Mechanics

Dental professionals are at high risk for unique musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to repetitive movements, poor positioning, and static postures. Explore how proper ergonomics can enhance productivity, reduce pain, and extend your career. Learn techniques, stretches, positioning, and equipment choices that enable pain-free practice and improve overall work satisfaction!

Lunch is on your own from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. 

Mrs. Connie Kugel | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Ultimate Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is easy, rewarding and profitable. Dental hygienists and assistants may not think they need a whitening refresher course, but do you know how to answer these common patient questions: How long does it last? Can it hurt my teeth? What about sensitivity? And your own questions: How does tooth whitening work? Should I offer chairside or take-home materials? Are they worth it? Do the over-the-counter whitening products work? How does “whitening toothpaste” work? Let’s assess the pros and cons of tooth whitening!

Dr. Ashleigh Briody | 2:30 – 4 p.m. | Interesting Clinical Cases 

This program will take you on a tour of interesting cases seen in a busy pathology practice. We will discuss how the diagnosis is rendered as well as management.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a heart attack. Up to 50% of heart attacks and strokes are triggered by oral pathogens. The dental professional plays a vital role in the screening, prevention, and management of heart disease. Discover the latest statistics on heart disease, review nitric oxide and the vital role it plays, identify best practices for screening your patients, and evaluate diets and home care therapies to reduce periodontal disease and promote heart health. 

Join Amber Auger to learn how to help patients enhance their oral health at home!

She will: 

• Review the clinical benefits of power brushes, stannous dentifrice and other homecare products in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and other markers of oral disease.
• Discuss advanced technology power brushes and how they compare to manual brushing and other power brushes Explore the benefits of dispensing homecare products directly from the practice, enhancing patient access and adherence.
• Dive into strategies to communicate the importance of home care routines in preventing the progression of oral diseases.

This course is provided by Crest + Oral-B.