Throwback: AAP Classifications Simplified: Part 1

Posted on by Kelly Young BSDH
    How the heck are we supposed to implement the new American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Staging and Grading Periodontitis classifications into practice? This new system seems so complicated, right?? Actually, it can be simplified and once that is done, the new system is extremely valuable! As hygienists, we know that periodontal disease is multifactorial. It is affected by systemic health, habits, occlusion, and more. We know that it is just as much about the host resp...
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RDH Spotlight: Rebekah Jungina

Posted on by Rebekah Jungina
    Dr. Ron McGlennen: What inspired you to pursue a career in dental hygiene, and what do you find most rewarding about it? Rebekah: My childhood dentist was a family friend, so he made sure my dental experiences were positive. As a teen I worked in his dental office during the summer and that really sparked my interest in dentistry. I noticed the bond that my hygienist had with her patients, and I wanted to be able to improve their health while building relationships wit...
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The Trouble with Mouthwash

Posted on by Ellie Phillips DDS
Mouthwash is a bedrock of oral hygiene. So why do some say it harms the mouth? The answer is a mix of misunderstanding and bad headlines. The Human Microbiome Project of 2007 illustrated the mouth is home to hundreds of previously unrecognized good bacteria. Dentists used to call plaque “biofilm,” but plaque is a biofilm infection, and healthy biofilm is protective and the goal of good oral care. Studies show 40% of adult biofilm develops in childhood, which illustrates the tenacity of bi...
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Throwback: Interview with Brooke Armour, RDH

Posted on by Brooke Armour RDH
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Brooke RDH: I use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics to test new patients, patients that have clinical signs of periodontal disease, or patients with a complex medical history. Dr. McGlennen: What are the biggest benefits to using salivary diagnostics? Brooke RDH: The benefits of salivary diagnostics are being able to quantify periodontal disease, having something to physically show the patient about their periodontal dise...
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Saving Tooth #24

Posted on by Taylor Oltman
  At OralDNA® Labs, we understand that identifying and addressing oral bacteria is critical to improving patient outcomes. A recent case shared by Dr. Lee Sheldon, a distinguished periodontist, highlights the synergy between advanced diagnostics and methodical care. In his video, Dr. Sheldon detailed how he saved a severely compromised tooth (#24) for a 47-year-old patient. His approach reinforces the importance of leveraging tools like OralDNA testing to guide treatment plans. Dr...
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Throwback: How do you speak Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease with your patients?

Posted on by Nancy Wahl RDH, BS MC
Dr. McGlennen: The oral microbiota changes when women become pregnant, and levels of periodontal pathogens increase1. During pregnancy, periodontal inflammation worsens, mostly due to increased levels of A.a., P.g., F.n., and P.i.2. Among these oral pathogens, there is a marked risk of infection of the maternal blood and the placenta, which leads to an increase in pre-term labor, lower birth weight and even the chance of fetal loss due specifically to the bacteria P.g. and F.n.3,4. Furth...
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Throwback: Interview with the Searcy Dental Team

Posted on by Searcy Dental
Dr. McGlennen: Please tell me how you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics in your practice. Searcy Dental team: We use salivary diagnostics as standard protocol in our periodontal therapy program, especially MyPerioPath®. These results help us, and patients, understand exactly which pathogens are present and at what levels. When a patient has responded to our applied therapy, we are able to measure the amazing results by post treatment testing. Searcy Dental team: Inflammation is n...
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Unlock the Connection Between Periodontal Inflammation and Systemic Disease: A Free Webinar

Posted on by Taylor Oltman
Unlock the Connection Between Periodontal Inflammation and Systemic Disease: A Free Webinar
Are you ready to explore the latest advancements in oral-systemic health? Don’t miss "Periodontal Inflammation as a Driver of Systemic Disease," a free webinar hosted by Dental CE Academy in partnership with OralDNA® Labs. This webinar is designed to give providers an in-depth understanding of how periodontal inflammation impacts systemic health and how to incorporate the latest tools and strategies into practice. Course Summary While inflammation is an essential component of the body's im...
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Interview with Dr. Lilit Alikhanyan

Posted on by Lilit Alikhanyan DDS
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you were introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Dr. Alikhanyan: I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to OralDNA 5 years ago in a previous office. Dr. McGlennen: What are the top two things to consider when you select a patient for testing? Dr. Alikhanyan: As a provider, I look at both the patient’s systemic health and their periodontal health. For example, if a patient has auto-immune issues, gut health concerns, a history of cancer, fertility or m...
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Practicing Dental Medicine: The Partnership with a Clinical Laboratory

Posted on by Diane Larson RDH, BSDH
If you are reading this article, you were likely born in a country and era where medical testing is a routine part of healthcare. From birth, data collection begins with tracking weight and height, followed by simple blood tests to screen for potential concerns. As we progress through life, additional tests are conducted based on signs and symptoms, reflecting a reactive approach essential for treating existing conditions. On the other hand, some tests are used proactively to intercept disea...
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