Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how do you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics.
Rosie RDH: Let me begin by sharing; I have been very fortunate to work in practices that support my passion for treating periodontal disease. My patients have benefited through the communication, assessment and treatment I provide. I know there are hygienists who feel they are not supported in their efforts. In honor of dental hygiene month, my advice- stay strong, keep educating yourself on new technologies and keep asking to use these technologies. Our patients deserve this care.
I have been utilizing OralDNA salivary diagnostics for approximately 7 years, I actually initiated the use of OralDNA into my current practice. I primarily use MyPerioPath® to help educate my patients. The MyPerioPath® results give them an idea of where they are and once periodontal therapy is applied they can see the changes or the need for further therapy. It gives them a real sense of accomplishment when they have a good shift in their bacterial loads and it seems to encourage them even more. Educational research tells us that most of the adult population are visual learners, so the MyPerioPath® bacterial graph is such a great way to aid in the education process.
Dr. McGlennen: What are the biggest benefits to using salivary diagnostics?
Rosie RDH: My favorite part of the MyPerioPath® results is it serves as a clear picture of what we are battling; the beautiful, color graph provides a great visual. An added bonus is the appropriate antibiotic as a recommendation, if we choose to prescribe.
Dr. McGlennen: How do your patients respond to this technology? What is their #1 question?
Rosie RDH: Over the years I have found that the majority of patients respond positively to this technology and are on board. I believe a lot of this is in how it is presented and the confidence shown when discussing treatment. I would say patients’ #1 question is “Why isn’t this covered by my insurance?”
Dr. McGlennen: If a new OralDNA® provider were to ask you for advice, what would be your best tip?
Rosie RDH: If a new OralDNA® provider were to ask me for advice I would encourage them to present the availability of MyPerioPath® test 100% of the time as part of their periodontal treatment plan. Never assume what your patient will or won’t accept. Don’t make those decisions for your patient, let them decide. If you don’t ask, the answer is always “no”.
Practice makes permanent. I would encourage them to role play their presentation, a lot! The more you practice, the more confident and natural you become in what you are saying. Be sincere. If you believe in what you are presenting…it shows. If you don’t believe in what you are presenting….it shows.
Dr. McGlennen: Where do you see salivary diagnostics in 3-5 years? 10 years? What would be the impact on your practice/ patients?
Rosie RDH: I am hopeful that in the coming years, the majority of insurance companies will recognize the benefit of salivary diagnostics and begin to include it as a covered benefit. I also hope that more providers begin to utilize this tool to help provide the best care possible to their patients.
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She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1994 with her degree in Dental Hygiene. She is a recipient of the "Golden Scaler" Award. She holds licenses to practice in New Mexico and Arizona and she is laser certified.
Rosie is blessed with 2 bright, beautiful, and talented daughters. They are the light of her life and keep her very busy with their dance classes, volleyball, and cheerleading.
- Interview with Rosie Jimenez RDH - May 28, 2021
- Education and Encouragement through Connecting and Commitment: An Interview with Rosie Jimenez - October 27, 2017