salivary diagnostics

Saving Tooth #24

Posted on by Taylor Oltman
  At OralDNA® Labs, we understand that identifying and addressing oral bacteria is critical to improving patient outcomes. A recent case shared by Dr. Lee Sheldon, a distinguished periodontist, highlights the synergy between advanced diagnostics and methodical care. In his video, Dr. Sheldon detailed how he saved a severely compromised tooth (#24) for a 47-year-old patient. His approach reinforces the importance of leveraging tools like OralDNA testing to guide treatment plans. Dr...
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Throwback: How do you speak Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease with your patients?

Posted on by Nancy Wahl RDH, BS MC
Dr. McGlennen: The oral microbiota changes when women become pregnant, and levels of periodontal pathogens increase1. During pregnancy, periodontal inflammation worsens, mostly due to increased levels of A.a., P.g., F.n., and P.i.2. Among these oral pathogens, there is a marked risk of infection of the maternal blood and the placenta, which leads to an increase in pre-term labor, lower birth weight and even the chance of fetal loss due specifically to the bacteria P.g. and F.n.3,4. Furth...
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Throwback: Interview with the Searcy Dental Team

Posted on by Searcy Dental
Dr. McGlennen: Please tell me how you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics in your practice. Searcy Dental team: We use salivary diagnostics as standard protocol in our periodontal therapy program, especially MyPerioPath®. These results help us, and patients, understand exactly which pathogens are present and at what levels. When a patient has responded to our applied therapy, we are able to measure the amazing results by post treatment testing. Searcy Dental team: Inflammation is n...
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Interview with Dr. Lilit Alikhanyan

Posted on by Lilit Alikhanyan DDS
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you were introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Dr. Alikhanyan: I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to OralDNA 5 years ago in a previous office. Dr. McGlennen: What are the top two things to consider when you select a patient for testing? Dr. Alikhanyan: As a provider, I look at both the patient’s systemic health and their periodontal health. For example, if a patient has auto-immune issues, gut health concerns, a history of cancer, fertility or m...
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Practicing Dental Medicine: The Partnership with a Clinical Laboratory

Posted on by Diane Larson RDH, BSDH
If you are reading this article, you were likely born in a country and era where medical testing is a routine part of healthcare. From birth, data collection begins with tracking weight and height, followed by simple blood tests to screen for potential concerns. As we progress through life, additional tests are conducted based on signs and symptoms, reflecting a reactive approach essential for treating existing conditions. On the other hand, some tests are used proactively to intercept disea...
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Throwback: Soft Tissue Program with a Microscope & MyPerioPath®

Posted on by Cori Creeks RDH
As with most dental practices we have a soft tissue program in place to help treat periodontal disease as well as gingivitis. We use the traditional x-rays and periodontal probing exams that allow us to assess periodontal damage that has already occurred within the soft tissues and bone. We have also implemented a new type of exam that can show us bacteria that is present in the gum tissues. Our team recently received training on the use of a microscope and Dr. Hawkins decided to pu...
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Research Spotlight: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Role of Salivary Diagnostics by Emily Long, BS

Posted on by Emily Long
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 90% of all head and neck cancers, posing a significant public health concern worldwide (Shafiq et al., 2023). Despite increasing awareness, OSCC is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to poor prognoses and lower survival rates (Roi et al., 2019). If untreated, this type of cancer can metastasize, spreading to other regions of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, 53% of cancers in the oral cavity and pharynx are id...
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A Competitive Advantage – Part Two

Posted on by Michael Goldberg DMD
    Now that we've explored how salivary diagnostics can elevate your practice from routine care to comprehensive health management, let's dive deeper. In Part 1, we introduced how identifying bacteria linked to systemic diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s positions you as more than just a dentist—you become a key partner in your patients’ overall health. In Part 2, we’ll take this further by exploring how adopting this approach can transform your relationships—not...
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A Competitive Advantage – Part One

Posted on by Michael Goldberg DMD
    Imagine this: Your patients walk into your dental practice, thinking they’re just going to get their teeth cleaned or a cavity filled. But what if, instead, you offer them something radically different—a path to better health, not just a better smile? That’s where salivary analysis comes in. You’re not just fixing teeth; you’re delivering insights that can change lives. By identifying specific bacteria that don’t just cause gum disease, but also contribute to heart dis...
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Why You? – Part Two

Posted on by Michael Goldberg DMD
In part one, we covered the importance of defining your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) to set your practice apart in today’s competitive landscape. You learned that a strong UVP is more than a statement—it highlights the unique value your practice offers. In part two, we’ll focus on how to put that UVP into action, using practical strategies and tactics to ensure it drives your practice’s growth and success. Let’s say you like one of these previously mentioned as a UVP; communicating it e...
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