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Ammonia: Health Never Smelled So Bad!

Periodontal and Biofilm Diseases of the Mouth

 

Presented by: Erinne Kennedy, DMD, MPH, MMSc

Original Publication Date: August 8, 2019

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

Course Description:

Two types of bacteria can grow inside your mouth: commensal or pathogenic bacteria. When reducing caries and periodontal disease, it is important to understand how we can help commensal bacteria flourish in the oral cavity. Ammonia is a great marker of how much healthy bacteria your mouth is growing. This webinar will teach us more about measuring ammonia in saliva and what that means for your patients.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss seven key elements of your patient’s sialo chemistry.
  • Dissect the meaning and importance of the bio-markers ammonia in saliva and its relationship to a healthy oral microbiome.
  • Determine clinical recommendations that have the potential to increase the levels of healthy oral bacteria and in turn, increase levels of ammonia.
  • Understand the tools and instruments you can use in your office to understand your patient's salivary chemistry better.
  • Interpret the marker of ammonia and ask better questions with your patients.
  • Create a preventative plan to improve your patient's oral hygiene and normal flora. 

 

Speaker Bio:

Erinne Kennedy, DMD, MPH, MMSc, is an Ohio State University graduate and comes from Middleport, Ohio. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine in 2015. Dr. Kennedy loved everything about dental school, especially being involved in organized dentistry. While in dental school, she was involved with ASDA (American Student Dental Association) as a local vice president and national contributing editor. After dental school, Erinne attended a one-year general practice residency at the VA Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Erinne has a passion for community health and is board-certified in public health dentistry after completing a residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) in 2018. In May 2019, she graduated as a pioneer student at HSDM with a Master of Medical Science in dental education. She currently practices at the Alliance Dental Center, a dental office focused on wellness, in Quincy, MA.

She is a contributing editor for Dental Economics and on the Junior Editorial board for Dental Entrepreneur Women (DeW). Dr. Kennedy‘s professional affiliations include The American Dental Association, The American Association of Public Health Dentistry, The Massachusetts Dental Association, and The Academy of General Dentistry.