Dr. Nagelberg: Tell me how you use Oral DNA salivary diagnostics?
Sandra RDH: I use OralDNA® as an essential diagnostic tool on all patients; it serves as a base line to determine their risk factor for periodontal disease and the development of other systemic diseases. It is an adjunct tool that helps customize patient care.
Dr. Nagelberg: What are the top two things to consider when you select a patient for testing?
Sandra RDH: The top two things to consider when selecting a patient for testing are the clinical picture, (inflammation, bleeding on probing, attachment and bone loss, etc.) and the medical history. Every patient is a candidate, and the clinical picture alone does not tell the whole story. The medical history helps determine risk factor and susceptibility. When a patient marks diabetes, blood pressure medication etc… these are red flags to use a test to be proactive for these vulnerable patients.
Dr. Nagelberg: What are the biggest benefits to using salivary diagnostics?
Sandra RDH: The collection itself is simple and is non-invasive. Patients can’t believe all this information is from a simple oral rinse. Viruses, bacteria, fungal infections and genetics risk factors can be detected in a single sample. The benefit of using the before and after results of the MyPerioPath® is awesome. When a patient is able to see a side by side results it encourages them to continue on the right track. Another added benefit is early detection. Some patients may present a healthy clinical picture and have a high bacterial load. These patients benefit the most.
Dr. Nagelberg: What is your favorite part of the MyPerioPath results? Why?
Sandra RDH: I could see some offices saying “The systemic antibiotic option printed on the report.” For our office we choose not to use systemic antibiotics as a first line of treatment. Instead we take a more holistic approach with effective individualized treatment planning, the use of motorized devices, botanical rinses, and oral probiotics. So my favorite part of MyPerioPath® results is the great visual aid; patients own their disease. It helps determine what form of treatment, creating an individualized care plan.
Dr. Nagelberg: If a new OralDNA® provider were to ask you for advice, what would be the biggest tip?
Sandra RDH: The best advice for a new OralDNA® provider is to not lose momentum when implementing something new. Momentum is an important asset that needs to be fed. Believe in what the patient needs and you will see the benefits. With proper implementation, you will have a robust hygiene program. The biggest tip is to master your presentation. Make sure you simplify the conversation around the need and value of the test. Utilize the team at OralDNA® , they provide great clinical support should you have any questions.
Dr. Nagelberg: Where do you see salivary diagnostics in 3-5 years? 10 years? What would be the impact on your practice and patients?
Sandra RDH: I see salivary diagnostics in the next 3-5 years will become main-stream due to an increase in public awareness. In 10 years it will become the standard of care. The impact that salivary diagnostics will have on our patients is a lifetime of health. Prevention is the key and individualized care is the way. Salivary diagnostics provides us the necessary information to personalize therapy and for some cases prevent disease.
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- Salivary Diagnostic Implementation with a Holistic Approach: An Interview with Sandra Lindo - October 13, 2017