Microbiome Makeover: A Smarter Strategy for Oral Health

Presented by:  Rachelle Beattie McAliley, PhD

Original Lecture/ Publication Date: July 10, 2026 (Webinar Series)

Course Description:

As salivary diagnostics become more accessible in clinical dentistry, oral healthcare providers have a growing opportunity to move beyond symptom-based treatment and toward microbiome-guided care. This course reviews the published Frontiers in Dental Medicine article, “Test, Treat, Repopulate™ method reduces red complex bacteria and stabilizes the oral microbiome,” and explores how a phase clinical protocol may help identify, reduce, and manage pathogenic bacterial burden in the oral cavity. Dr. Beattie McAliley will discuss the rationale behind the Test, Treat, Repopulate™ approach, including the use of salivary testing to identify microbial risk, traditional periodontal intervention to reduce pathogen load, and biotic-based strategies to support a healthier oral microbial environment. Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of how microbiome-focused tools may support periodontal and caries risk management, where the current evidence is strongest, and where additional controlled clinical research is still needed.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the Test, Treat, Repopulate™ framework and its role in microbiome-guided oral healthcare.
2. Explain how salivary diagnostics can help identify elevated bacterial risk and guide patient- specific oral health strategies.
3. Differentiate the roles of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in supporting oral microbial balance.
4. Identify practical ways to discuss oral microbiome support with patients using clear, evidence- informed language.

Practical Applications:

• Use salivary diagnostic results to guide conversations about microbial risk.
• Explain why reducing pathogens alone may not be enough for long-term oral health stability.
• Discuss prebiotic and probiotic support as part of a broader oral care protocol rather than as a
  stand-alone cure.
• Evaluate supplement and oral care product claims with a more critical, evidence-based lens.
• Help patients understand the importance of compliance, retesting, and ongoing maintenance.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Rachelle Beattie McAliley, PhD, is a microbial ecologist and the Director of Scientific Innovation & Education at ProBiora Health. With a strong foundation in environmental health research, Dr. Beattie McAliley has explored how industrial agriculture impacts antimicrobial resistance and how rural communities can address microbial contamination. Today, her work focuses on translating oral microbiome science into practical strategies that support a healthier microbial balance and improved oral health outcomes.

Dr. Beattie McAliley is passionate about consumer transparency and bringing evidence-based insights into the science behind probiotic products. She earned her PhD from Marquette University, completed postdoctoral research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and previously worked as a Research Microbiologist for the U.S. Geological Survey.