Annual Session 2026 Speaker:

Mia Geisinger, DDS, MS

Annual Session 2026 - Speaker Square - Mia G

About the speaker:

Dr. Mia L. Geisinger is a nationally recognized periodontist, educator, and thought leader shaping the future of oral healthcare. A Professor, Director of Advanced Education in Periodontology, and Acting Chair of the Department of Periodontology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Dr. Geisinger brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, academic leadership, and research excellence to every stage she steps onto.

A graduate of Duke University, Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dr. Geisinger is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology, the International College of Dentists, and the American College of Dentists. Her leadership footprint spans the profession: she has served as President of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, Chair of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, and a member of the Board of Directors for the ADA Science and Research Institute. She currently serves as Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Periodontology and contributes to numerous AAP and ADA committees and task forces.

With more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, multiple editorial board appointments, and a research portfolio focused on periodontal-systemic interactions, implant therapy in the compromised dentition, and innovative regenerative strategies, Dr. Geisinger is a trusted voice at the forefront of evidence-based dentistry. She lectures nationally and internationally, delivering dynamic, clinically relevant programs that empower dental teams to elevate patient care, embrace emerging science, and navigate the evolving landscape of periodontology and oral-systemic health.

About the Lecture:

Title: "Killer Smile? The Oral-Systemic Connection."

Saturday, September 12, at 11:10 AM on the Main Stage

Summary:
 

A great smile doesn’t just boost confidence — it can change a patient’s health trajectory. Today we know that oral inflammation, dysbiosis, and oxidative stress don’t stay confined to the mouth; they ripple throughout the body, influencing everything from diabetes control to cardiovascular risk to pregnancy outcomes. With more than 57 systemic conditions now linked to periodontitis, patients are looking for answers, and the headlines aren’t always helping.

This fast-paced, eye-opening course breaks down the real science behind the oral–systemic connection. You’ll explore the mechanisms that link periodontal disease to whole-body wellness, learn how to identify at-risk patients, and discover how targeted periodontal care can reduce inflammatory burden and support better systemic outcomes. Walk away with the tools to communicate these connections clearly, collaborate confidently with medical colleagues, and elevate your role as a frontline provider of total-body health.

Learning Objectives:
  • Explain the biology behind the mouth–body link — Break down the inflammatory, microbial, and oxidative pathways that connect oral disease with systemic conditions, and understand how systemic health shapes dental care delivery.
  • Reduce inflammatory and microbial burden — Understand the systemic impact of oral dysbiosis and inflammation and apply evidence-based periodontal therapies to mitigate those risks.
  • Critically assess the bidirectional impact of oral and systemic health – Develop workflows for clinical practice that allow a holistic approach to assessing the impact of systemic health on periodontal health and the potential impact of periodontal treatment on overall wellness
Practical Applications:
  • Screen smarter for systemic risk — Implement practical, chairside strategies to identify patients at risk for common systemic diseases and integrate those findings into periodontal assessment and treatment planning.
  • Collaborate across disciplines — Communicate effectively with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers to support shared patients and improve whole-body outcomes.
  • Champion oral health as whole-body health — Translate the science into compelling, patient-friendly messaging that reinforces the critical role of oral wellness in overall well-being.

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Method: Lecture
Cost: Included in the Annual Session 2026 ticket
Location: New Orleans, LA
AGD Course Code: 490
AAOSH Core Curriculum: Success for the Oral Systemic Practice 
Credit Hours: 1