It’s Not JUST About the Science

At a time when “evidence-based” everything is all the rage; I would like to share my experience and philosophy in regard to salivary diagnostics.  My approach comes from a non-scientific perspective garnered from my 40+ years of clinical experience.  I come at it from both a trained scientific, human, psychological, patient management and pragmatic mindset. Several years back, I had a discussion with a well-respected career academic and journal editor about “evidence-based” medicine.  He qu...
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MyPerioProgress: Features and How-To Video

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of a posttest is “a test given to students after completion of an instructional program or segment and often used in conjunction with a pretest to measure their achievement and the effectiveness of the program.” When an OralDNA® provider performs a pretest MyPerioPath®, applies periodontal therapy, and then performs a posttest MyPerioPath®, a comparison report called MyPerioProgress® is generated. This can be used to measure the effectiveness of t...
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How to Hire the Best Dental Staff in the Everchanging COVID-19 Pandemic

  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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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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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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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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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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Interview with Dental Creations Dental Hygiene Team

  Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how OralDNA® salivary diagnostics fits into your practice. Dental Creations RDH team: We encourage MyPerioPath® testing for all patients that have 5+ mm pockets and 8 or more areas of bleeding on probing. We explain to the patient that our goal is to identify any pathogens that are detrimental to the whole body, but also to be able to treatment plan according to those specific pathogens to manage them. In addition, we explain these measures are to avoid the ...
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Doctor-Patient Communication: Basic Expectations and Principles

«The patient will never care how much you know until they know how much you care. » - S.Terry Canale, MD Compassionate and effective doctor-patient communication is a key factor influencing therapeutic relationships. Today’s doctors face numerous challenges that impede patient-doctor relationships. For example, they must maintain clinical productivity while effectively treating their patients. Can they afford less time with each patient while doing so? Effective doctor-patient commu...
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