(490) Beyond the Mouth: Exploring the Interplay of Inflammation, Chronic Disease & Oral Health

Carol A. Jahn, RDH, MS

Carol Jahn, RDH, MS is a highly respected dental professional and
the Director of Professional Relations & Education at Water Pik,
Inc. With an extensive background in dental hygiene, Carol is
dedicated to advancing oral health education and promoting the
benefits of innovative dental technology.
Carol's passion for oral health extends beyond her professional
role. She is actively involved in various dental organizations and
serves as a trusted advisor to dental professionals worldwide. Her
expertise in dental hygiene and commitment to continuous
learning have made her a sought-after speaker at national and
international conferences.

This course delves into the connection between oral health, chronic
inflammation, and systemic diseases. With a staggering percentage of adults
affected by chronic conditions and periodontal disease, it is crucial to understand
the underlying cause of this malady and its implications for overall health. We will
examine the significant role chronic inflammation plays in contributing to various
health conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer's Disease, inflammatory
bowel disease, and certain types of cancer. We shed light on the oral systemic
link, emphasizing the impact of oral inflammation as a potential risk factor.
Participants will learn how to recognize and address oral inflammation as a
potential contributing factor to chronic diseases, enabling them to provide more
comprehensive care to their patients.
Topics:
• Cardiovascular disease
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes
• Diabetes/obesity
• Dementia and cognitive decline
• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
Learning Objectives
• Understand the current scientific perspective on causality and association
and how it relates to the oral systemic link
• Discuss the role of periodontitis, inflammation, bleeding, and tooth loss on
the incident of chronic diseases
• Evaluate emerging data on the link between periodontal disease and the risk
for various types of cancers
• Develop talking points for patients linking oral health to systemic health
• Personalize self-care strategies and products to reduce inflammation an
improve oral health

(148) Crashing the Biofilm Party:  Understanding the Path to Safe Dental Unit Waterlines

Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC

Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC, is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant,
and award-winning author.  A sought-after thought leader contributing invaluable and
inspiring insights into the current trends in dentistry. She brings over 25 years of clinical
dental hygiene and now enthusiastically educates the dental industry. Amanda has
authored over one hundred articles, bringing clarity to hot topics in dentistry. Recipient
of the Association for Dental Safety’s Emerging Infection Control Leader award, she is
affectionately known as the Waterline Warrior. An active participant with the advisory
board for RDH magazine, Dentistry IQ, and the Association for Dental Safety’s Infection
Control In Practice Editorial Review Board and membership committee, Amanda strives
to make topics in dentistry accurate, accessible, and fun! She can be reached
at www.amandahillrdh.com and AmandaHillRDH@gmail.com

Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs) are in the news and on inspection checklists. But the
process of testing and treating waterlines is often misunderstood or even forgotten
about.  Science shows us that many of the aerosols we are producing in our operatories
come directly from the biofilm growth in our DUWLs. And just like the biofilm in the
mouth, it can be stubborn to remove. How can you keep you and your patients safe? In
this dynamic presentation, attendees will learn the why, how, and the what of dental unit
waterline compliance. From testing to daily maintenance, this course will turn you into a
Waterline Warrior and motivate you to go back to the op and Crash the Biofilm Party!

Objectives:

 Describe the importance of clean dental unit waterlines

 Define the steps needed to “pass the test”--shock, test, treat, maintain

 Discuss products on the market that can make your job easier

(346) “Hurts So...Swell!” Management of Dental Pain and Appropriate Opioid Prescribing Practices

Thomas Viola, R.Ph

Thomas Viola, the founder of “Pharmacology Declassified”, is a board-certified pharmacist who
also serves the professions of dentistry as a clinical educator, professional speaker and published
author. Tom is a member of the faculty of 16 dental professional degree programs and has received
several awards for outstanding teacher of the year. Tom has presented hundreds of continuing
education courses to dental professionals, nationally and internationally, in the areas of oral pharmacology and local anesthesia and is well-known for his regular contributions to several dentalprofessional journals. Through his informative, humorous and engaging live seminars and webinars, Tom has earned his reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team.

Management of acute odontogenic pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates both opioid and non-opioid analgesics. It is critical for dental clinicians to not only employ appropriate prescribing practices when utilizing opioid and non-opioid analgesics to
treat pain but to also apply best practices when assessing pain control and educating patients on
opioid-associated risks and opioid safety. This program will provide an overview of techniques
for effectively assessing and managing dental pain, appropriately prescribing analgesics, educating
patients on adverse effects and proper handling of opioid medications, as well as strategies for
identifying patients at risk for substance abuse, and counseling patients on agents used in the
management and treatment of opioid use disorder.