oral systemic connection

Throwback: Communication is Key

Posted on by Traci Warner, RDH
Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases in the United States and it is a key indicator of other systemic diseases.  Dentistry has a significant role in reducing the impact of chronic disease in patients who trust their dental teams to guide them to total body health.  From the first call and through every step of the patient experience, such as reviewing the medical history, the conversation should include the oral systemic connection. Dental teams a...
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Interview with Dr. Jinita Parekh

Posted on by Dr. Jinita Parekh
Dr. Ron McGlennen: How were you introduced to OralDNA® salivary diagnostics, and what motivated you to incorporate it into your practice? Dr. Jinita Parekh: I was introduced to salivary diagnostics back in 2019 through an online webinar. I was intrigued by the idea of my patients having a tangible resource to help them understand periodontal disease and its significant impact on the overall health when left untreated or mismanaged. Salivary diagnostics helps me better serve my patients by e...
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A Game-Changing Preceptorship in Nashville: Your Invitation to Transform Patient Care

Posted on by Dr. Bradley Bale and Dr. Amy Doneen
The world of preventative medicine is evolving—and once again, the BaleDoneen Method® is a leader in the space. We're excited to share an upcoming continuing education opportunity hosted by BaleDoneen. If you’re a healthcare provider driven by purpose and passion, you won’t want to miss the upcoming BaleDoneen Preceptorship, happening October 9–11, 2025, in vibrant Nashville, Tennessee at the Southwestern Conference Center. This isn't just another continuing education opportunity. It’s a ...
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From Correlation to Causation: The Impact of Oral Pathogens on Overall Health

Posted on by Erika Du Mond, DMD
Healthcare is undergoing significant changes. Since COVID-19, the experience for both professionals and patients has evolved. Where patients once followed directives without much personal involvement, they are now taking an active role in their health and the type of care they receive. The concept of informed consent is being realized as patients engage more in healthcare conversations and keenly evaluate practitioner philosophies and treatment options. Pathogens from the mouth travel sys...
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Why Test? Rethinking Periodontal Disease Through a Medical Lens

Posted on by Diane Larson RDH, BSDH
One of the most common questions I hear is: “How is testing going to change the therapy provided?” My answer? “It most likely isn’t.” Wait—what?! Then why bother testing at all? That’s a fair question, and one worth unpacking. Testing tools, such as MyPerioPath®, should not replace clinical diagnostics or significantly change a patient’s treatment plan. Rather, the use of a laboratory diagnostic test has the intent to confirm, but sometimes refute what you're seeing clinically. Practic...
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Bridging Oral and Systemic Health: Supporting Cancer Care Through Dentistry

Posted on by Christopher Tolmie DDS, MBA
At Lake Worth Modern Dentistry, we believe that oral health is deeply connected to overall wellness. One recent case powerfully illustrated how collaborative care between dental and medical teams can enhance a patient’s healing journey—especially during cancer treatment. A breast cancer patient came to us for a pre-chemoradiation dental clearance. Her oncologist and I coordinated closely to ensure her oral health would not compromise her systemic condition during therapy. We agreed to per...
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Flying Blind: A Wake-Up Call – Part Two

Posted on by Michael Goldberg DMD
In Part 1 of this series, Dr. Michael Goldberg urged dental professionals to return to their scientific roots and rethink their diagnostic habits. Now, in Part 2, he turns his attention to another critical gap in care: what happens once the patient leaves the chair. Diagnosis without follow-through leaves patients—and practices—vulnerable. In this installment, Dr. Goldberg explores how to bridge that gap with personalized care, modern tools, and the right conversations that truly empower ...
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Flying Blind: A Wake-Up Call – Part One

Posted on by Michael Goldberg DMD
When I say “Flying Blind” no, I’m not talking about the air-control issues at Newark Airport. I’m talking about how we practice oral health care. Having taught in two universities, I have a pretty good idea of the curriculum dentists and hygienists receive. “Basic Sciences” dominate those early years: microbiology, immunology, physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology. Why? Because understanding the why behind disease matters. So here’s the real question: Why are those sciences all but aba...
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An Imbalanced Oral Microbiome Can Cause Throat Cancer, But You Can Prevent It

Posted on by Cass Nelson-Dooley MS
Every April, there is a campaign to bring awareness to head and neck cancers. What exactly are head and neck cancers? Head and neck cancers affect the mouth, throat, sinuses and nose, salivary glands, or larynx (the voice box). Their hallmark is that they involve squamous cells, which line the mouth, throat, and sinuses—those wet, mucous-rich surfaces. How do head and neck cancers take hold? Cancer cells are damaged cells that can live forever. Cancer requires one or more of these proce...
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Learn Periodontal Precision with Dr. Doug Thompson – Virtual Access Now Available!

Posted on by Doug Thompson DDS
We’re thrilled to share an exciting course now available by the Kois Center, providing a groundbreaking step forward in dental hygiene education: The Digital Precision Periodontal Medicine & the Hygienist: A Critical Role for Maximum Health course is now live! This lecture series is now available both in-person (at the Kois Center in Seattle, WA) and virtually, allowing anyone, anywhere, access to resources that can expand their knowledge and transform their clinical practice. Our new...
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