Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you use OralDNA salivary diagnostics.
Dr. Comfortes: I started utilizing salivary diagnostics in 2013. Since then, my approach has concentrated on total health, which I discuss during every patient consult. Without the use of OralDNA® salivary diagnostics, the total health conversation would be difficult. First, I ask the patient if they understand the importance of the test. Then I address the levels of bacteria and how that is expressed in their gum health. We d...
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Oral-Systemic
A Clinician’s Resistance to Acceptance in One Case
When I opened my practice almost two years ago, I was introduced to OralDNA® Labs’ testing services. I believed the value of laboratory testing would provide a higher quality of care for my patients; however, I was hesitant to incorporate something new into my patient case conversation. My hesitation stemmed from a belief that my patients would think we were adding another “cost” to their treatment plan and that made me uncomfortable. I continued to practice without OralDNA® Labs testing, unti...
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2021 Hot Topics In Oral Systemic Health Keynote
On Saturday, January 16, 2021, I am honored to conduct a keynote presentation for the AAOSH 2021 “Hot Topics” event. In this 20-minute presentation, my goal is to change your life in a powerful and meaningful way. My attempt to achieve the unachievable, is to convey a message that man-made, processed, nutrient-deficient, and toxic foods (yes toxic, or ‘noxious,’ if you’re a purist) are driving almost every major chronic disease with which you are aware. Yes, heart disease, strokes, hypertens...
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MyPerioPath® Antibiotic Option
MyPerioPath® results provide guidance to the health care provider regarding the bacterial cause to a patient’s periodontal disease and/or risk of complicating other systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease1, diabetes2, certain cancers3, brain health4, musculoskeletal health5, and pregnancy outcomes6. The health care provider will consider several modes of therapy to help address the pathogenic bacteria and the following therapy will conduct a post-therapy test to objectively measure ...
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Interview with Thomas Lewis Ph.D.
Dr. McGlennen: How were you introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics and why do you use the testing services?
Thomas Lewis, Ph.D.: I was introduced to OralDNA® labs testing services through a functional medicine physician who has been using your testing services for several years.
The why is simply because no one truly understands where they are on the oral health continuum. Many see bleeding gums when they brush or the occasional floss and think it is normal. I have been fortunate ...
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The Game Has Changed!
With all the factors that impact consumers today, the case acceptance equation has shifted. There are some new rules to the game. Getting your team on board with important innovations and techniques such as salivary diagnostics and systems for being a “yes” practice has never been more critical. Total Immersion Online and No More Hygiene Online for the entire team are events where we take your case acceptance skills to where they need to be to hear “Yes” today!
Here is what you and your t...
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Things I Wish Were Different About Dentistry
It is time to change. It is time to leave behind the limited image of the dentist as the senior member of the oral hygiene police with the dental hygienist as the loyal foot soldier in the war against plaque. It is time to stop admonishing patients that if they do not floss their teeth will fall out. It is time to get more serious about dentistry.
Helping people keep their teeth was a justifiable goal for dentistry 50 years ago. Even a conservative interpretation of the available evid...
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The Whole Health Approach of Fairlington Dental
OralDNA® Labs’ salivary diagnostics offers many ways to support our patients. At Fairlington Dental, we started using the diagnostics as an adjunct to our non-surgical periodontal therapy. We quickly discovered, when you know what pathogens you are dealing with, you can create a better plan. MyPerioPath® provides an abundant amount of information; The systemic antibiotic option is one benefit among many. This blog will highlight the oral-systemic benefit.
Our whole health approach to patien...
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A Higher Standard of Care
For many years now, research has shown that there is a mouth body connection. In other words, what is happening in the mouth can impact what is happening with the body! In order for someone to have good health, they need to have good oral health. Unfortunately, periodontal disease is silent, as it does not hurt until it is severe. The minimal pain factor as periodontal disease develops may be why 80% of the United States population is suffering from periodontal disease. In the next paragraphs ...
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Interview with Shira Newman RDH
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics.
Shira Newman RDH: Testing establishes a baseline for every patient's overall oral health. I cannot imagine practicing without it.
Dr. McGlennen: What are the top two things to consider when you select a patient for testing?
Shira Newman RDH: Honestly, I would test everyone if they are willing. A person could present looking perfectly healthy: no bleeding on probing, no buildup, nice firm pink gum tissue, but still h...
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