The Mental Dental Connection: Mental Disease & The Dental Patient.

Presented by:  Joshua Austin, DDS, MAGD

Original Lecture/ Publication Date: July 31, 2026 (Webinar Series)

Course Description:

Many routine dental patients are affected by mental diseases, and the effects of these diseases are often reflected in the oral cavity. A discussion of the classifications and characteristics of these diseases can benefit dental clinicians. In addition, a large percentage of our patients are taking medications to manage their mental disease. All of these neuropsychopharmacological agents have oral side effects. The management of these patients can be improved with a deeper understanding of these drugs in addition to their action and oral sequela. This session will highlight these topics along with health history questions and treatment recommendations for dental patients with mental health issues.

Learning Objectives:

1. Illuminate common DSM-5 diagnoses and characteristics
2. Discuss common psychopharmaceuticals and their oral implications
3. Review neurotransmitters and their role in brain health

• Incorporate mental health questions and medication reviews into patient health histories to identify factors that may affect oral health and dental treatment.
• Recognize oral side effects of psychopharmacologic medications, such as xerostomia and bruxism, and implement appropriate preventive care strategies.
• Adjust communication, appointment scheduling, and treatment planning to better meet the needs of patients with mental health conditions.

Speaker Bio:

As editorial director and columnist for Dental Economics, focusing on dental products and technology (Pearls for Your Practice), he offers a fresh approach in today’s commercial-driven dental journalism. When you read a ‘Pearl’, you are getting an honest evaluation of a product which was used by Joshua in clinical practice on a patient.

A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, Joshua served five years post-graduation as faculty in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. Today he maintains a full-time restorative dentistry private practice in San Antonio, Texas.

Joshua has been honored with several awards during his dental career. In 2009, the Texas Dental Association names him Young Dentist of the Year. In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year. Joshua has earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. In 2014, Joshua was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care.