Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you were introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics.
Sharmane Soriano, RDH: I was introduced to OralDNA salivary diagnostics through the dental office I worked at. Just graduating from the dental hygiene program, OralDNA was something I was not familiar with. The Alert 2™ report gave accurate data of the patient’s oral health as it tests the types of bacteria, the amounts of bacteria, and the patient’s genetic risk of acquiring periodontal disease. After learning more about the test, I quickly learned how to utilize the test in my treatment plans.
Dr. McGlennen: What are the top two things to consider when you select a patient for testing?
Sharmane Soriano, RDH: The top two things to consider when I select a patient for testing is if they present with an active infection, such as bleeding or inflammation, and if they have family members who may have history of periodontal disease. These two factors can enhance the benefits of OralDNA testing and its purpose. We recommend testing to every patient that is diagnosed with periodontal disease and that needs scaling and root planing.
Dr. McGlennen: What are the biggest benefits to using salivary diagnostics? How do the test results impact your patient care?
Sharmane Soriano, RDH: The biggest benefit to using salivary diagnostics is that the results are tailored to each individual patient. This data can support your treatment plan and educate patients about their periodontal health. In addition, the test can elevate the patient’s treatment plan and can help gain patient acceptance when recommending specific therapies.
Dr. McGlennen: What is your favorite part of the MyPerioPath® results? Why?
Sharmane Soriano, RDH: My favorite part of the MyPerioPath results is being able to compare the results from the first test we took to the second test. The results give us an understanding of what is working and what is not working with the current therapies we are doing in the patient’s treatment. This also motivates patients to continue with their care and encourages them to keep retesting in the future.
Dr. McGlennen: How do your patients respond to this technology? What is their #1 question?
Sharmane Soriano, RDH: My patients love this technology. They respond positively when I recommend OralDNA testing. Patients love the thorough data and the simplicity of the test. It enhances their treatment, and it gives patients objective data that helps them understand their periodontal state. Their #1 question is how often they should retest. I usually recommend retesting every few months depending on how the patient is progressing, and usually after prescribing systemic antibiotics based on their MyPerioPath results.
Dr. McGlennen: What is your biggest challenge? How do you overcome that obstacle?
Sharmane Soriano, RDH: My biggest challenge is finding ways to optimize the technology in my treatment plan. With this technology there is so much that can be done with the results, and learning new ways to implement it in my routine is always a challenge. I don’t want patients to just do one test and stop testing in the future. I want them to see the value of the technology as much as I do. To overcome this challenge, I’ve been utilizing new ways to show value and have been integrating the technology more with their routine visits.
Dr. McGlennen: If a new OralDNA provider were to ask you for advice, what would be your best tip?
Sharmane Soriano, RDH: My biggest tip would be to learn as much as they can about the technology. Many patients will ask questions and expect you to know the answers to those questions. As this technology is not common in all offices, patients will be excited to learn more about it. For patients to gain your trust and accept the treatment, you as the provider have to create that value for them, and it all comes down to knowing the ins and outs of this technology.
Dr. McGlennen: Where do you see salivary diagnostics in 3-5 years? 10 years? What would be the impact on your practice/patients?
Sharmane Soriano, RDH: In 3-5 years, I see salivary diagnostics expanding into more offices, and in 10 years, this technology may be available in all dental offices. As years progress, the oral systemic connection is more relevant than ever before. We are going in the direction where people understand the correlation of the mouth and the body and OralDNA is the perfect tool to steer us in this direction. The impact this will have on my practice/patients is that they will understand more that dental health is more than just brushing and flossing their teeth but can also pinpoint certain systemic issues they may have. Patients will understand more about their body and ultimately lead them to a healthier state.
- Interview with Sharmane Soriano, RDH - March 8, 2024