Pursuing Wellness in Our Periodontal Practices

Sunday Session, 2:30–5 p.m.
Program Track: Periodontal-Systemic Relationships

Moderator: Joanie Gaydos-Daniel
Speakers: Mia L. Geisinger, Nicolaas C. Geurs, and Lee N. Sheldon

This course will explore medical wellness clinics, obesity and the periodontal microbiome, and alternative therapies offered in the periodontal office. Dr. Nico Geurs will discuss medical wellness clinics and the opportunities these entities present to the periodontal community. He will discuss the concept of wellness in the periodontal maintenance program and the opportunities this presents to promote overall wellness for patients. Dr. Mia Geisinger will discuss obesity and the periodontal microbiome. Obesity status has been linked to more severe periodontal conditions in children and adults. Emerging evidence also points to the gut microbiome as a potential etiologic factor for obesity and a potential screening mechanism and intervention opportunity for obesity treatment. Dr. Lee Sheldon will discuss alternative therapies offered in the periodontal office. Dr. Sheldon will discuss how knowledge of such complementary therapies, and the science supporting them, can help you achieve practice growth.

Educational Objectives:
• Review the current evidence supporting an association between obesity/overweight status and periodontal disease.
• Explore the link between oral microbiota and how changes in that microbiota could cause a signaling pathway to influence obesity/overweight status.
• Explain the concept and design of a periodontal wellness clinic.
• Discuss the all-zirconia dental implant and the growing demand for this service.