periodontal disease

When Saliva Tells the Full Story

Posted on by Stephen Quimby, RDH, BSDH, MBA
We all have those patients — the ones who seem to do everything right and still end up battling stubborn periodontal disease. As Stephen Quimby, RDH, BSDH, MBA, writes in his recent Monthly Incisor article, “We’ve all had those patients—the ones who come in with picture-perfect oral hygiene but somehow still develop aggressive periodontal disease. Then, six months later, their spouse shows up with similar symptoms. Coincidence? Not quite.” That’s where salivary diagnostics is changing the...
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Throwback: Chronic Anterior Inflammation

Posted on by Daniela Yanez RDH
Challenge: The patient’s main concern was to reduce chronic inflammation around tooth #8 and #9. The patient previously had received treatment at a general dentist and a periodontist without significant improvement. Background: A new female patient, age 28, was last seen by another dentist about 3 years prior. Her home care consists of brushing twice daily with Tom’s of Maine® toothpaste and a Sonicare™ power toothbrush, and Crest® Pro-Health™ rinse with occasional flossing. Her family hi...
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Transform Your Practice at the EMS GBT Summit

Posted on by Jamie Griggs RDH
Many dental professionals find themselves trapped in a cycle of reactive periodontal care. Patients fall through the cracks, insurance limitations dictate treatment, and hygiene schedules are filled with routine prophylaxis rather than truly transformative periodontal therapy. These missed opportunities don’t just impact patient health—they also limit your practice’s revenue potential. EMS Dental recognizes the frustration of working harder without seeing the clinical or financial results...
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“Dental Hygienist Pay Up 20% Since 2020”: What That Really Means for Your Practice

Posted on by Michael Goldberg DMD
Why This Should Concern Every Dentist and Hygienist Hygienist pay has risen 20% since 2020. That sounds great—until you realize that hygiene collectible production (not projected, not on paper, but truly collectible) must also rise by 20% just to keep pace. If reimbursements and fees haven’t increased by that much—and let’s be honest, they haven’t—then hygiene risks becoming a loss leader rather than a profit center. And if hygiene isn’t profitable, opportunities for growth—for both den...
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Do We Really Need Antibiotics for Periodontal Disease?

Posted on by Lee Sheldon DMD PA
When patients receive their OralDNA® MyPerioPath® test results, one of the most common questions is: “Why aren’t we prescribing antibiotics?” After all, the test identifies bacteria linked to periodontal (gum) disease. Shouldn’t antibiotics be the next step? Dr. Lee Sheldon explains that the answer often goes back to the root cause of periodontal disease itself. “Periodontal disease is the loss of support for the teeth. It comes primarily from bacteria that go below the gum line and lo...
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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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