Nobody Has Ever Done that Before

Posted on by Lee Sheldon DMD PA
In this era of trying to differentiate yourself from the provider down the street, a simple solution is incorporating OralDNA® salivary testing services. Imagine a patient who has had periodontal disease and has seen several dentists and periodontists in the past. They may have been told they have pockets, but what do pockets mean to a patient? Perhaps a lot, but only if they have been properly educated about the consequences of a pocket deepening. Let’s look at this from another perspect...
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The Digital and Integrative Demand of Millennials

Posted on by Anjuli Avis CRDH
Healthcare engagement is experiencing an evolution. Why? Because millennials, born roughly between 1981 and 1996, have surpassed baby boomers as the largest adult generation. This generation has been a significant force in shaping healthcare needs. How so? Consider a few factors: Digital health: Millennials are the first generation to grow up with the internet, smartphones, and other digital technologies. They are more likely to use health apps, wearable technology, and telehealth servi...
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Testing & Treatment When the Timing is Right

Posted on by Jennifer Campbell RDH
Challenge: A patient of record since 2014, single dad and full-time factory plant worker came in for a routine dental . Background: Age: 33 years old Sex: Male Medical History: asthma, high blood pressure, patient reports smoking history, on and off up to a pack per day. Last Dental Exam: 2020 Home Care: Brush, floss, rinse, shower flossing device Clinical Assessment: Dental history shows high caries risk, and adult periodontitis. The patient shows current clinical evi...
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The Oral Microbiome and Autoimmunity

Posted on by Akil Palanisamy MD
The oral microbiome is made up of a diverse array of microorganisms that reside in the mouth. A sample of this diverse array can be collected by a simple oral rinse and gargle and specific microorganisms are identified by q-PCR analysis. Knowing this information can help clinicians better understand and potentially manage triggers for numerous autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, leading to chronic inflam...
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A Podcast For Your Mouth

Posted on by Camille Zenobia PhD
I am the @oralhealthactivist and brainchild behind the ‘Let’s Get Oral’ Podcast. Although I am no dentist or hygienist, my PhD thesis was centered around Porphyromonas gingivalis endotoxin which led me on a circuitous pathway through oral pathology, oral immunology, oral hygiene, and clinical study in oral health. I have so much excitement to share about what we have been learning over the last 20 years that has not yet been adequately communicated. We are at a frontier regarding oral health...
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Interview with Bianca Velayo DMD

Posted on by Bianca Velayo DMD
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you were introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Bianca Velayo DMD: As a Pacific Dental Services (PDS)-Supported Clinician, I am thankful to be part of an organization that embraces the Mouth-Body Connection®. PDS teamed up with OralDNA® Labs to offer testing to our patients and I first began incorporating it into my practice in 2018. Dr. McGlennen: What are the top two things to consider when you select a patient for testing? Bianca Velayo DMD: In my...
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Becoming Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

Posted on by Michael Goldberg DMD
We all need to start somewhere. Think of the first time you put a mirror and explorer into your hands- uncomfortable right? I am going to start with a few stories where I am certain you can relate, followed by a challenge to become comfortable when discussing HPV, a known risk for oral pharyngeal cancer. My son, like many children, was always trying to one-up us. Kids love to do that to their parents. When he was about 11, we were sitting at the dinner table, where we often discussed the ...
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What Our Patients Should Know About Oral Cancer & HPV

Posted on by Shelley Brown MEd BSDH RDH
There are over 100 types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and more than 42 million Americans are infected with types of HPV that cause disease. The CDC says nearly everyone will get a form of HPV at some point in their lives, and about 13 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year1. There are strains of HPV that are more virulent than others which divides HPV into 2 main groups: Low-risk HPV types such as 6, 11, 42, 43, and 44 have a reduced association with cancer but can ...
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Interview with Dr. Alex Vasserman DMD

Posted on by Alex Vasserman DMD
Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how you were introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Alex Vasserman DMD: I learned about the OralDNA® labs testing system through Doug Thompson, DDS at the Kois Center. Our hygiene department started using it 3 years ago, and they have made it a success. Dr. McGlennen: What are the top two things to consider when you select a patient for testing? Alex Vasserman DMD: Compliance is key- will the patient follow through with the prescribed treatment and what ...
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Microbiology Terminology

Posted on by Kimberly Babauta, RDH, BS, BCPA
MyPerioPath® is a laboratory test that screens an oral rinse specimen collection for specific bacteria known to cause periodontal disease. Bacteria are often described using their scientific name, by categorizing as gram-negative or gram-positive, and by identifying their shape. These descriptors provide us with useful information about each bacterium.  For example, it is plausible that motile bacteria are more resistant to localized treatment due to their ability to move away from areas whe...
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