The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our lives, from grocery shopping to socializing with friends and family. The way we work has changed, too.
Working from home is now an option for many. However, dentists, hygienists, and assistants providing emergency treatment and elective treatment from their homes is impossible.
Working in dentistry during this time has been a real eye-opener. Many dental professionals have adapted while some have left practice en...
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Salivary Diagnostics
Interview with Lori Appelhans RDH
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me why you started to use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics.
Lori, RDH: We were frustrated with inconsistent periodontal results, and began incorporating OralDNA® into our practice. Prior to starting, some patients returned for their post periodontal therapy check and there were still significant signs of disease. We wanted more for our patients. We started using the MyPerioPath® salivary test pre- and post-periodontal therapy and for gingivitis therapy too. Salivary diagn...
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A Total Health Approach at a Reasonable Price: An Interview with Dr. Isaac Comfortes DDS
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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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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The Time is Now: How COVID-19 has Awakened a Desire for Wellness
As we all begin to live out the new normal triggered by the current pandemic, one thing that will never go back to normal is peoples’ views on the importance of health. COVID-19 has been a wake-up call for many. There is a collective sense of the need to assess health, contemplating areas and practices we can improve and what we can do to prevent illness and disease in our bodies. As dental providers, the timing is right to capitalize on this movement towards health and wellness.
Now is the...
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Interview with Dawnie Kildoo, DDS, MAGD
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics.
Dr. Kildoo: We perform a MyPerioPath® on every patient with signs of periodontal disease. It gives us a more accurate diagnosis and helps us understand possible risk factors for other systemic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and strokes. Recently, we have been sending the results to the patient’s physician to help them better understand the oral-systemic connection, too.
Dr. McGlennen: What has been the ...
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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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Case Study: Class II Periodontitis
Background: The patient is a 54-year-old female who presented with the chief complaint “My gums bleed when I brush, there are possible cavities and I don’t like the tooth crowding.” Her last dental visit was about 6 years ago. There is a family history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer. The home care consisted of manual tooth brushing 1-2 times per day with occasional antibacterial mouth rinse. During the clinical assessment, it was discovered that several amal...
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