CES – Denver, CO – Live Event – Getting off the Peri-Go-Round

Course Description: Why do we still call scaling and root planing “treatment” for periodontal disease when it so rarely leads to long-term stability? Periodontal disease is both a driver and a consequence of multiple systemic conditions—making it one of the most complex challenges in dentistry. A truly effective approach requires more than instrumentation; it demands a personalized strategy that addresses the many contributing factors simultaneously.

This course will explore the integration of salivary dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections, undiagnosed or unstable diabetes, sleep and breathing disorders, acid reflux, food sensitivities and tobacco addiction into periodontal care. The goal: white, tight gums supported by a healthy microbial profile that predicts long-term stability. By embracing a complete health model, hygienists can finally shift from “just scaling” to delivering meaningful, lasting outcomes—earning a living with their brains and hearts, not just their hands.

You will learn to:

· Evaluate oral and systemic risk factors for a personalized approach to care

· Use salivary diagnostics for high-risk pathogens as your compass

· Develop a self-prophy concept that replaces traditional home-care educational models

· Encorporate chairside diagnostics for HbA1C and get support for glycemic control when needed

· Develop facilitation skills for helping the patient address important lifestyle related behavior changes

You will learn to:

· Assess oral and systemic risk factors to create a truly personalized approach to periodontal care

· Use salivary diagnostics for high-risk pathogens as a guide for treatment planning and monitoring

· Introduce the “self-prophy” concept to replace outdated home-care education models

· Incorporate chairside diagnostics such diabetes screening and HbA1C testing and collaborate with patients and providers to support glycemic control

· Strengthen facilitation skills to help patients make meaningful, lifestyle-related behavior changes