Dr. McGlennen: You have been using our services since 2009. Do you recall why you started using OralDNA® testing?
Diane RDH: We were very excited about being able to have yet another very important tool to help our patients achieve oral/systemic health. I personally need to see results to really believe in something. I cannot tell you how amazed I have been over the years seeing the difference OralDNA® testing has made on the outcomes of periodontal therapy for our patients. Having been with my current office for almost 18 years, I have had the opportunity to compare treatment with and without OralDNA® testing on specific patients. With the testing, we now have a very important missing element that we did not have in the past.
Dr. McGlennen: What are the top two things to consider when you select a patient for testing?
Diane RDH: I would say their systemic health and risk factors as well as their clinical signs of active disease. If a patient has, for example, heart disease or diabetes, I feel that we need to approach their treatment using the resources that are available, including OralDNA® testing so that we can get a more comprehensive look at what pathogens are contributing to their periodontal disease.
Dr. McGlennen: What are the biggest benefits of using salivary diagnostics?
Diane RDH: The biggest benefit would be being able to achieve results that you may not have thought were possible. I have seen amazing improvements in their oral health that have carried over to our patients’ systemic health, such as finally having their diabetes under control.
Dr. McGlennen: What is your favorite part of the MyPerioPath® results? Why?
Diane RDH: I love the details that are included in the results. The information showing the systemic effects of the oral pathogens is all included in the reports which help the patients to make the connection that we are not just helping to treat their oral health. The bar graph of the pathogens is a great visual for the patients to see and compare the levels of all pathogens.
Dr. McGlennen: How do your patients respond to this technology? What is their #1 question?
Diane RDH: I would say our patients are impressed and appreciative that our office provides this type of testing. Their number one question is “does my insurance cover it?”
Dr. McGlennen: What is your biggest challenge? How do you overcome that obstacle?
Diane RDH: The biggest challenge I would say would be the cost for some, as insurance companies typically do not cover the testing. The way to overcome this is to establish value for the patient. I feel that it’s very easy for me to have a conversation regarding OralDNA® testing because I truly believe in the benefits. Therefore, making it easy for me to convey that value to my patient.
Dr. McGlennen: If a new OralDNA® provider were to ask you for advice, what would be your best tip?
Diane RDH: If you are like me…seeing is believing! Try the testing out on a staff member first to get a handle on what the results show and how to move forward with results. Then target specific patients that have not responded in the past to periodontal therapy without testing. Perhaps offer the first testing at no cost to the patient so that you can see what a difference having that added information the testing provides will make in the improvement in their periodontal health.
Dr. McGlennen: Where do you see salivary diagnostics in 3-5 years? 10 years? What would be the impact on your practice/patients?
Diane RDH: I would love to be able to test all patients who enter our doors. I would also love to see insurance companies providing coverage for this service to make it more accessible for all patients. The information that the testing provides to aid in not only periodontal health, but systemic health as well is priceless.
- Interview with Diane Lindeman RDH - December 3, 2021