Back to All

Health Beyond The Teeth: The Time Is Now!

Success for the Oral Systemic Practice

Presented by: Doug Thompson, DDS, FAAMM, ABAAHP

Original Publication Date: August 7, 2024

Take the Course This course is available for CE Credit as a "Members Only" benefit. Not a Member? CLICK HERE to learn more about AAOSH Membership.

Enjoy a Free Course Preview:

(Please Note: These are sample courses; watching these videos here does not provide CE credit. Please visit members.aaosh.org to search for these courses and earn CE credit.)

Course Description:

There is a new opportunity in every restorative dental practice revolving around several oral conditions and systemic health. As vascular disease (one of the 57 diseases cross-referenced to the mouth) continues to be redefined as an inflammatory disease and not a cholesterol disease, reducing total body inflammation is a goal of treatment. A brief synopsis of many health strategies that can be supported in a dental practice will be reinforced to outline our concerns.

Periodontal disease and caries are inflammatory diseases mainly expressed through the relationship between bacteria and host susceptibility. Evaluating the microbial profile of every active periodontal and caries infection can provide valuable treatment and maintenance information. This approach reveals opportunities to adjust our traditional periodontal management protocols for improved outcomes. In addition, many other oral or health conditions can contribute to illness and loss of longevity or vitality. This knowledge allows the integration of our dental practices with medical practices to take an integrative oral medicine approach. In addition to repairing the teeth, adding a wellness approach to our practices can produce healthier patients, practices, and teams.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:
    • Salivary or molecular diagnostics can assist in periodontal disease and caries management.
    • What and how do other conditions in and out of the mouth contribute to inflammation and pose other adverse systemic risks?
    • Augmenting or rebranding a traditional reparative/restorative dental practice is possible with awareness of how oral health issues contribute to total body wellness.
    • How our periodontal therapy teams are on the front lines of this movement.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Thompson started his dental journey at 18 as a lab tech. After graduating from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, he acquired a practice in Bloomfield Hills. He's heavily invested in education, especially at the Kois Center. He's a pioneer in personalized periodontal medicine and wellness dentistry, even teaching courses on transforming dental cleanings. Beyond dentistry, he's delved into anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Dr. Thompson founded the Wellness Dentistry Network, connecting like-minded dentists globally. He's a sought-after consultant for medical and dental companies, emphasizing the link between oral health and overall well-being.