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Ann L. McCann

Anne N. Guignon

Bashar Bakdash

Bonnie G. Branson

Carol Perkins

Chad J. Anderson

Charles J Goodacre

Connie M. Kracher

Cynthia Stegeman

David Nguyen

David Ojeda Diaz

Elizabeth McClure

Emet D Schneiderman

Gail Aamodt

Georgia Majerus

Geza T. Terezhalmy

Hussein S Basma

Jacqueline A. Singleton

Jacquelyn M. Dylla

Jane L. Forrest

Jennifer K. Blake

Jennifer Rudy

Leena Palomo

Lynne H. Slim

Maria L. Geisinger

Michaell A. Huber

Nancy W. Burkhart

Neal Johnson

Pam Hughes

Patricia A. Frese

Patricia A. Lenton

Salme E. Lavigne

Samuel Zwetchkenbaum

Sarita Arteaga

Scott Aurnou

Shelly Withers

Spencer L. Fried

Stephen A. Hancocks

Susan S. Wingrove

Terry Rees

This course sheds light on the complexity of dry mouth syndrome, those at risk for dry mouth or xerostomia, and the value of healthy saliva composition and adequate flow rates.


The Dry Mouth Epidemic – It’s More than Medications, Aging and Degenerative Diseases

The Botulinum Toxin Therapies for Orofacial Pain and Dental Esthetics course will define BTX, give a brief history, discuss general and dental uses, explore the mechanism of action, list side effects, consider administration guidelines, suggest patient management techniques and provide additional resources.

Botulinum toxin Type A (BTX) (OnabotulinumtoxinA - trade name Botox®) is well-known for its use for cosmetic procedures, such as smoothing frown lines and other facial wrinkles. However, BTX also presents therapeutic as well as cosmetic uses in dentistry. The dental clinician should be aware of these uses in order to educate the patient and present a more complete treatment plan. This course will define BTX, give a brief history, discuss general and dental uses, explore the mechanism of action, list side effects, consider administration guidelines, suggest patient management techniques and provide additional resources.

The Botulinum Toxin Therapies for Orofacial Pain and Dental Esthetics course will define BTX, give a brief history, discuss general and dental uses, explore the mechanism of action, list side effects, consider administration guidelines, suggest patient management techniques and provide additional resources.

Botulinum Toxin Therapies for Orofacial Pain and Dental Esthetics

Brushing, flossing and use of a therapeutic mouthrinse are the preferred method for plaque control and defense against plaque biofilm accumulation. Unfortunately, many patients lack the motivation or ability to maintain low plaque levels, leading to periodontal disease, peri-implant disease, dental caries and other oral health conditions. Chemotherapeutic rinses provide a convenient, cost-effective way to enhance plaque control achieved with mechanical hygiene. This course reviews three common agents used in chemotherapeutic rinses and the supporting evidence showing safety and efficacy of each agent, and discusses ways to help ensure compliance to a regimen involving rinsing. 

Dental disease remains prevalent in the population. Clinical data show three antibacterial active systems chlorhexidine (Rx), cetylpyridinium chloride and essential oils reduce gingival inflammation and bleeding and help maintain good gingival health in conjunction with mechanical hygiene. Data also support incremental benefits of antibacterial rinses even when used in conjunction with an antibacterial dentifrice. 

This course reviews three common agents used in chemotherapeutic rinses and the supporting evidence showing safety and efficacy of each agent, and discusses ways to help ensure compliance to a regimen involving rinsing.

Therapeutic Mouthrinsing: An Effective Component to Oral Hygiene

Orthodontics, the first specialty in dentistry, emphasizes proper occlusion and tooth alignment as well as ideal dental and facial esthetics.  The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that three-quarters of the US population could benefit from orthodontic care, so it's important for dental professionals to understand the basic elements of orthodontics.  This course reviews the need for orthodontic treatment, diagnostic procedures and records, biological factors affecting tooth movement, goals of orthodontic treatment, categories of treatment, popular orthodontic devices and oral hygiene considerations.

Orthodontics, the first specialty in dentistry, emphasizes proper occlusion and tooth alignment, as well as ideal dental and facial esthetics. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that three-quarters of the US population could benefit from orthodontic care, so it’s important for dental professionals to understand the basic elements of orthodontics. This course reviews the need for orthodontic treatment, diagnostic procedures and records, biological factors affecting tooth movement, goals of orthodontic treatment, categories of treatment, popular orthodontic devices and oral hygiene considerations.

Orthodontics, the first specialty in dentistry, emphasizes proper occlusion and tooth alignment as well as ideal dental and facial esthetics.  The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that three-quarters of the US population could benefit from orthodontic care, so it's important for dental professionals to understand the basic elements of orthodontics.  This course reviews the need for orthodontic treatment, diagnostic procedures and records, biological factors affecting tooth movement, goals of orthodontic treatment, categories of treatment, popular orthodontic devices and oral hygiene considerations.

Orthodontics: A Review

This course provides a review of the evidence for the connections and possible/proven links between oral health/conditions and general health/conditions.

There has been a tendency within health care to isolate the mouth from the rest of the body as a separate entity, which requires particular attention, notably from dentists and other oral health care professionals. Whilst pragmatic on some levels, this has led to oral health also being regarded as distanced from, and unrelated to, general health. However, in recent years, emerging evidence suggests that the contrary view is true and that oral health can have a direct association with general health. The case is particularly true for periodontal disease. This course provides a review of the evidence for the connections and possible/proven links between oral health/conditions and general health/conditions.

This course provides a review of the evidence for the connections and possible/proven links between oral health/conditions and general health/conditions.

Oral Health and General Health – What are the Connections?

The field of orthodontics has changed markedly in recent years. This course reviews some of the many advances in orthodontics and their impact on patient care. Some of these advances include the use of clear aligner therapy, use of technology, accelerating orthodontic tooth movement, and use of skeletal anchorage.

The field of orthodontics has changed markedly in recent years. An increase in available clear brackets and clear aligner systems, such as Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®, have contributed to adult electivity, as many patients in this population may oppose the idea of metal braces and wires. There has also been an increase in demand for shortened treatment time, leading research to seek ways to accelerate treatment. Other evolutions in orthodontics include the use of skeletal anchorage to improve control of tooth movement, as well as a surge of technology including digital scanners and cone beam computed tomography. This course reviews some of the many advances in orthodontics and their impact on patient care.

The field of orthodontics has changed markedly in recent years. This course reviews some of the many advances in orthodontics and their impact on patient care. Some of these advances include the use of clear aligner therapy, use of technology, accelerating orthodontic tooth movement, and use of skeletal anchorage.

New and Evolving Concepts in Orthodontics

This course will review the current scientific evidence about the association between cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and periodontal disease.

This course seeks to improve the dental care provider’s understanding of the interaction between periodontal disease and CVD. It will also serve as an aid in the clinical decision making process for patients with CVD and periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases have been associated with numerous systemic diseases and conditions, including diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and obesity. Of these, CVD is of special interest as it is the single leading cause of death in both men and women worldwide.[1-2](/en-us/professional-education/ce-courses/ce544/references#1) CVD includes many diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, including hypertension, atherosclerotic vascular disease, myocardial infarction, and hypercholesterolemia. For the purposes of this course, we will concentrate on these diseases. As both CVD and periodontal disease are inflammatory conditions and share many confounding factors (e.g., smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus), an association between the two diseases has long been investigated.[3-7](/en-us/professional-education/ce-courses/ce544/references#3) Recent consensus reports have stated that while there is a well-established association between the two diseases, there is not currently sufficient evidence to support reports of a causal relationship.[8](/en-us/professional-education/ce-courses/ce544/references#8) Other data do suggest, however, that there may be biologic plausibility for an interaction of both periodontal bacteria and periodontal inflammatory factors to exert influence on the cardiovascular system.[9-12](/en-us/professional-education/ce-courses/ce544/references#9)

This course will review the current scientific evidence about the association between cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and periodontal disease.

The Management of Patients with Periodontal and Cardiovascular Diseases

This video presentation is a summary guide of basic infection prevention recommendations for all dental healthcare settings with special emphasis on competency-based elements of the annual training program.

The objective of this video presentation is to provide a summary guide of basic infection prevention recommendations for all dental healthcare settings.  The intent is to facilitate compliance with those elements of the annual training program, which have been identified by the CDC as requiring direct-observation-based documentation of personnel and patient-care practices (competencies).

This video presentation is a summary guide of basic infection prevention recommendations for all dental healthcare settings with special emphasis on competency-based elements of the annual training program.

Putting it All Together: Practicum

The objectives of the course are to identify therapeutic agents commonly prescribed for the treatment of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary disorders, present their mechanisms of action, discuss indications for their use, and correlate the information to clinical dentistry.

This continuing dental education course is intended to provide a clinical frame of reference when patients present in the oral healthcare setting with a history of taking drugs for the treatment of respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and genitourinary (GU) disorders. Based on the Top 300 Prescription Drugs dispensed by U.S. community pharmacies, common respiratory, GI, and GU disorders are identified and discussed, including implications to clinical dentistry.

The objectives of the course are to identify therapeutic agents commonly prescribed for the treatment of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary disorders, present their mechanisms of action, discuss indications for their use, and correlate the information to clinical dentistry.

Pharmacology of the Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Drugs: Clinical Implications

This course will identify the therapeutic agents used to manage common mucosal disorders and to briefly review their mechanism of action and indications for use.

This course will identify the therapeutic agents used to manage common mucosal disorders and to briefly review their mechanism of action and indications for use.

This course will identify the therapeutic agents used to manage common mucosal disorders and to briefly review their mechanism of action and indications for use.

Pharmacology of Selected Therapeutic Agents in Oral Medicine

__*This course is no longer offered for Continuing Education credit.*__

This continuing education course is designed to educate dental professionals about the 6 components of posture and how to recognize structurally stable positions when providing care. Various movement strategies, stretches and exercises are presented that can assist with minimizing strain to pain sensitive tissues. This course builds on Part I. In addition, the science behind sitting and elements of a good supportive seat are discussed.

Please note this is Part II of a two-part series. [Practice in Motion - Part I](/en-us/ce-courses/ce553) will educate dental professionals about efficient sitting positions and movements that assist with minimizing occupational pain and/or injury.


The focus of this course is to educate dental professionals about the 6 components of posture and various movement strategies, stretches and exercises that can assist with minimizing strain to pain sensitive tissues. This course builds on Practice in Motion - Part I. In addition, the science behind sitting and elements of a good supportive seat are discussed.

A History and Update of Fluoride Dentifrices

Practice in Motion: Part II - 6 Components of Posture

__*This course is no longer offered for Continuing Education credit.*__

This continuing education course is designed to educate dental professionals about efficient sitting positions and movements that assist with minimizing occupational pain and/or injury. As part of this course, we will examine why many practitioners need to change how they sit, discuss common postures/habits that contribute to lifelong pain and the consequences of not changing. A review of the anatomy and the various pathologies associated with static positioning and poor posture will be presented. Proper alignment for postural control will be reviewed through video clip demonstrations, as will a sampling of stretches and strengthening routines that target various body regions. Many of these can be incorporated into daily practice routines during frequent short breaks to minimize stress to pain sensitive tissues.

Please note this is Part I of a two-part series. [Practice in Motion: Part II - 6 Components of Posture](/en-us/ce-courses/ce554) will discuss the 6 components of posture and how to recognize structurally stable positions when providing care.


The primary focus of this course is to educate dental professionals about efficient sitting positions and movements that assist with minimizing occupational pain and/or injury. As part of this course, we will examine why many practitioners need to change how they sit, discuss common postures/habits that contribute to lifelong pain and the consequences of not changing.

Practice in Motion: Part I

This course describes the parts of a research report and the information that should be contained within each section.  This will guide practitioners in their review of research articles so that they can identify the specific research questions/hypotheses being explored and what was discovered about them.  These skills will help oral health professionals decide whether or not to incorporate these research findings into their patient therapy and practice procedures.

Decisions made by oral health professionals concerning patient therapy or oral health products should be based on research findings. For example, is the basis for completing periodontal debridement (a) root smoothness or (b) absence of bleeding upon probing at a follow-up appointment? Research supports the latter criteria (b).[1](/en-us/professional-education/ce-courses/ce45/references#1) Should a practitioner recommend a particular dentifrice because the product advertisement claims that it contains an effective anticaries agent? Research studies must demonstrate the efficacy of the anticaries product before the practitioner decides to recommend it to patients. Research reports are the basis for evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice. This continuing education course will serve as the first of two articles on how to use published research for making decisions about patient care.

This course describes the parts of a research report and the information that should be contained within each section.  This will guide practitioners in their review of research articles so that they can identify the specific research questions/hypotheses being explored and what was discovered about them.  These skills will help oral health professionals decide whether or not to incorporate these research findings into their patient therapy and practice procedures.

Using Research for Clinical Decision-Making: Elements of a Research Report

As the career of dental hygiene evolves, new pathways for alternative settings emerge.  Many of these pathways involve the field of dental public health.  A career in dental public health can be immensely satisfying and rewarding.  This course will direct the learner to carefully consider what type of alternative setting is preferred and to determine if he/she has the correct skills necessary for this type of career.

**Note: This course is for informational purposes only and does not offer CE credit.**

As the career of dental hygiene evolves, new pathways for alternative settings emerge. Many of these pathways involve the field of dental public health. A career in dental public health can be immensely satisfying and rewarding. This course will direct the learner to carefully consider what type of alternative setting is preferred and to determine if he/she has the correct skills necessary for this type of career. The learner will be directed throughout the course to various internet resources useful for beginning the career search. Learners will spend time at “ACTIVITY POINTS” throughout the course which ask the learner to search for information that would assist in his/her specific career goals. With a clear direction in mind, the learner will then be able to proceed with locating or even possibly creating a position in dental public health.

As the career of dental hygiene evolves, new pathways for alternative settings emerge.  Many of these pathways involve the field of dental public health.  A career in dental public health can be immensely satisfying and rewarding.  This course will direct the learner to carefully consider what type of alternative setting is preferred and to determine if he/she has the correct skills necessary for this type of career.

**Note: This course is for informational purposes only and does not offer CE credit.**

Developing a Career in Dental Public Health

The Oral Microbiome & Systemic Disease will provide an overview of the oral microbiome and its relationship to various systemic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Techniques for disease prevention and treatment will also be considered.

The purpose of the course is to discuss the relationship between the oral microbiome and systemic disease. First, the role of the oral microbiome will be explained in both oral and systemic homeostasis. Next, items that influence the oral microbiome will be discussed, along with systemic diseases that may be correlated to oral disease states. Finally, methods for microbiome analysis, available interventions, and future directions will be explored.

__This course is no longer offered for Continuing Education credit.__

The Oral Microbiome & Systemic Disease will provide an overview of the oral microbiome and its relationship to various systemic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Techniques for disease prevention and treatment will also be considered.

The Oral Microbiome & Systemic Disease

<span style="font-color:red;">This course is no longer offered for Continuing Education credit.</span>

The Improving Students’ Patient Care Management Using the Thinker’s Guide to Clinical Reasoning course helps dental and dental hygiene educators work with students to plan and individualize patient care and communicate more effectively with their patients. Patients have different needs yet often students provide the same oral hygiene instructions to every patient. The provided guide encourages students to think through clinical issues regarding diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of clinical problems. This course introduces participants to the Thinker’s Guide to Clinical Reasoning based on the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework. Meaningful case studies provide opportunities for participants to apply the guide’s standards and elements of clinical reasoning to improve students’ management of patient care.

The Improving Students’ Patient Care Management Using the Thinker’s Guide to Clinical Reasoning course introduces participants to the basics of the Paul-Elder framework to improve students’ patient care management and encourages faculty members to model critical thinking behavior within dentistry.

Improving Students’ Patient Care Management Using the Thinker’s Guide to Clinical Reasoning

This topic explores the oral and general health issues facing one of the fastest growing population groups, the aging Baby Boomers. This course will focus on what their future oral health needs will be, how their oral health could impact their overall health, issues surrounding those confined to institutional care, and how to make decisions about which oral treatment options would be the most beneficial for all levels of Baby Boomer needs.

This topic explores the oral and general health issues facing one of the fastest growing population groups, the aging Baby Boomers. This course will focus on what their future oral health needs will be, how their oral health could impact their overall health, issues surrounding those confined to institutional care, and how to make decisions about which oral treatment options would be the most beneficial for all levels of Baby Boomer needs.

This topic explores the oral and general health issues facing one of the fastest growing population groups, the aging Baby Boomers. This course will focus on what their future oral health needs will be, how their oral health could impact their overall health, issues surrounding those confined to institutional care, and how to make decisions about which oral treatment options would be the most beneficial for all levels of Baby Boomer needs.

Treating the Aging Baby Boomer: Looking through the Crystal Ball

Many older adults are taking the steps necessary for maintaining their natural teeth. Dental professionals need to understand older adults’ distinctive risk factors in dental disease, the primary causes of xerostomia, maintenance techniques for dental prostheses, and appropriate communication skills. This course presents information that addresses that knowledge and those skills.

The United States (US) is experiencing dramatic demographic change. For the first time in history, there are more Americans over the age of 60 than under the age of 10. This transition in the age composition of the population is affecting all Americans, especially those employed in health care. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA), in 2014 14.5% of the US population was age 65 or older, and this proportion is projected to reach 21.7% by 2040.

This online continuing education course will explore the demographic and socioeconomic profiles of older adults and review the clinical challenges encountered in their oral health management, including:

- patient management and communication strategies;
- assessment of non-dental risk factors for oral disease;
- oral assessment and common oral problems;
- clinical findings affecting management of older adults; and
- oral disease prevention recommendations for dentate and edentulous older adults.

Many older adults are taking the steps necessary for maintaining their natural teeth. Dental professionals need to understand older adults’ distinctive risk factors in dental disease, the primary causes of xerostomia, maintenance techniques for dental prostheses, and appropriate communication skills. This course presents information that addresses that knowledge and those skills.

Welcoming Older Adults to Your Dental Office

Dental implants offer patients a means to replace one tooth or multiple teeth in a way that meets functional and esthetic needs.  This course reviews various categories of esthetic complications, including: environmental morphology; surgical and soft tissue healing protocol; implant location; crown/prosthesis form and type of abutment; facial esthetics; and prosthesis discoloration.

Dental implants have been used for decades to replace one tooth or multiple teeth in a way that meets functional and esthetic needs. Reports indicate that more Americans are choosing dental implants as replacement options than in the past. This course reviews various categories of esthetic complications, including: environmental morphology; surgical and soft tissue healing protocol; implant location; crown/prosthesis form and type of abutment; facial esthetics; and prosthesis discoloration.

Dental implants offer patients a means to replace one tooth or multiple teeth in a way that meets functional and esthetic needs.  This course reviews various categories of esthetic complications, including: environmental morphology; surgical and soft tissue healing protocol; implant location; crown/prosthesis form and type of abutment; facial esthetics; and prosthesis discoloration.

Dental Implants and Esthetics

As dental professionals, we get numerous questions about the tongue, taste and any sensation associated with the oral cavity. Super-tasting is being recognized by more healthcare professionals, researchers and industry. This course addresses the relationship of taste, smell and the etiology of these sensations; while presenting information on the health benefits and health risks of all three classifications of tasters. Specific techniques are outlined that assists the practitioner in determining the classifications of tasters.

As dental professionals, we get numerous questions about the tongue, taste and any sensation associated with the oral cavity. Super-tasting is being recognized by more healthcare professionals, researchers and industry. This course addresses the relationship of taste, smell and the etiology of these sensations; while presenting information on the health benefits and health risks of all three classifications of tasters. Specific techniques are outlined that assists the practitioner in determining the classifications of tasters.

As dental professionals, we get numerous questions about the tongue, taste and any sensation associated with the oral cavity. Super-tasting is being recognized by more healthcare professionals, researchers and industry. This course addresses the relationship of taste, smell and the etiology of these sensations; while presenting information on the health benefits and health risks of all three classifications of tasters. Specific techniques are outlined that assists the practitioner in determining the classifications of tasters.

Are You A Supertaster?

This continuing education course presents information on hypertension and its impact on the clinical process in dentistry.  It emphasizes disease-specific and procedures-specific risk factors and the importance of determining a patient’s functional capacity to minimize intraoperative hypertensive, hypotensive, and cardiac risks.

Hypertension is the most common primary diagnosis in the United States. Based on the best available evidence, recommendations are provided on the safe delivery of dental care to patients with hypertension and on the pivotal role of oral healthcare personnel (OHCP) in a hypertension-related preventive medicine program, i.e., hypertension-related wellness program in the oral healthcare setting.

This continuing education course presents information on hypertension and its impact on the clinical process in dentistry.  It emphasizes disease-specific and procedures-specific risk factors and the importance of determining a patient’s functional capacity to minimize intraoperative hypertensive, hypotensive, and cardiac risks.

Hypertension: Risk Stratification and Patient Management in Oral Healthcare Settings

This course is designed to assist dental professionals in answering specific questions a patient may ask about their concerns related to dental amalgam materials.

Many patients have become concerned that amalgam restorations, which contain mercury, may be leaching from the tooth and causing health issues such as lichen planus and other skin related disease states. Reports of studies and articles have linked amalgam material to multiple sclerosis, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and poorer health in individuals. Mercury accumulation in the body is known to come from exposure to the substance through fish consumption and occupational exposure. It has been well-known that physical handling of mercury is toxic and associated with hair loss, tremors, brain disorders-mental instability, loss of teeth and difficulty walking. As patients read current research, they continue to ask if their amalgams should be removed. The dental professional is being called upon to answer these questions and engage in dialogue with the patient. With new regulations on amalgam separators that are mandated to be in place by 2020, more questions have been raised on the environmental aspects of mercury contamination as well.

This continuing education course is designed to assist in answering specific questions that a patient may ask a dental professional about the concerns that they have related to dental amalgam materials. This course will also state some specific recommendations for consideration if the removal of amalgam is warranted and also review the safety considerations for those who work in the dental office such as dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and front desk personnel, as well as the patient receiving treatment.

This course is designed to assist dental professionals in answering specific questions a patient may ask about their concerns related to dental amalgam materials.

Removal of Amalgams: Is it Beneficial?

This course will assist clinicians with their evidence-based-decision-making and dialogue with patients when discussing matters of causality. From a public health and epidemiological perspective, this course will provide participants with the tools to evaluate cause and effect relationships and to better understand the principles of determining causality.

Clinicians make decisions daily based supposedly on the principle of causation, however often incorrectly assume ‘relationships’ or ‘associations’ to be causal.  The current world we live in is largely media-based and often both clinicians and patients are confused about what causes what. When announcements from reliable sources such as the *American Heart Association* are made stating there is “no connection between gum disease and heart disease,” clinicians may incorrectly assume there is also no ‘association’ between the two. Causality, demonstrating a “cause and effect” relationship between an exposure and an effect, is difficult to prove. One classic example is how long it took to “prove” that cigarette smoking “causes” lung cancer.

The purpose of this course therefore is to assist clinicians with their evidence-based-decision-making and dialogue with patients when discussing matters of causality. From a public health and epidemiological perspective, this course will provide participants with the tools to evaluate cause and effect relationships and to better understand the principles of determining causality.

This course will assist clinicians with their evidence-based-decision-making and dialogue with patients when discussing matters of causality. From a public health and epidemiological perspective, this course will provide participants with the tools to evaluate cause and effect relationships and to better understand the principles of determining causality.

From Evidence to Causality: How do We Determine Causality?

This continuing education course will provide dental professionals with a fundamental understanding of the potential cyber security issues facing a modern dental office.

Modern dental practice brings with it the need to protect sensitive office and patient data and the computers, mobile devices and networks that process and store that data. This course will take you through a number of essential cyber security concepts as first steps on the path towards protecting your practice (and yourself).

This continuing education course will provide dental professionals with a fundamental understanding of the potential cyber security issues facing a modern dental office.

Data Protection & Security for Dental Professionals

The information in this course includes blood pressure assessment, hypertension risks, as well as providing the appropriate method of taking blood pressure measurements, and resource recommendations regarding lifestyle modifications and referrals to medical colleagues.

The death rate from hypertension-related diseases (high blood pressure) in the United States increased nearly 11% between 2005 and 2015. Related conditions to hypertension include cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke, and chronic kidney diseases. In a survey conducted by Malamed of more than 2,700 dentists in North America, 14,000 potentially life-threatening emergencies occurred while patients were in their dental practice. Hypertension is linked to risk factors that fall into two categories: 1) risk factors that are outside the patient’s control, such as family history, age, gender, and race, and 2) risk factors that the patient can control, such as physical activity, heart-healthy diet, overweight or obesity, medications and supplements, drug and alcohol use. 

Other variables such as tobacco, stress, and physiological conditions e.g. sleep apnea are additional risk factors that contribute to hypertension. Obesity is a global issue, with a direct link to sleep apnea and other systemic conditions e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular, and metabolic syndrome. Obese patients are at an increased risk for hypertension and coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease. New studies show obesity may also increase the chance of peripheral artery disease (PAD) e.g. arms, legs, and feet. PAD is not just a senior disease. Currently 6.8 million Americans ages 40 and older were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. We also need to screen our young adult patients. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently reported the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. was 18.5%, affecting 13.7 million children and adolescents.  The CDC has also reported that children and adolescents have high blood pressure, with 4% of youth aged 12-19 years old diagnosed with hypertension and another 10% having elevated blood pressure (previously prehypertension). Recent research studies are suggesting a causal relationship between overweight young adults and heart problems and an increased risk of ischemic stroke in young adults.

Taking patient blood pressure measurements during dental examinations is critical to our patient’s overall health. A baseline blood pressure reading should be established and then monitored at future dental appointments by dental staff. It is important for medical and dental providers to tell our patients what their blood pressure readings are each time, so that they can keep track of differences themselves. The 2017 guidelines recommend taking on average, 2-3 blood pressure readings on at least two different occasions to provide baseline data on each patient. Factors that may affect the accuracy of blood pressure measurements include caffeine, recent physical activity, smoking, and stress to name a few. Screening for blood pressure by dental professionals has proven to be extremely effective since many patients with hypertension may be unaware of their condition, as hypertension can develop slowly over time.

The information in this course includes blood pressure assessment, hypertension risks, as well as providing the appropriate method of taking blood pressure measurements, and resource recommendations regarding lifestyle modifications and referrals to medical colleagues.

Diagnostic Guidelines for Blood Pressure Screening Techniques

This course will provide dental professionals with practical strategies to facilitate the discussion and treatment and oral malodor in the dental office.

The purpose of this course is to provide dental professionals with practical strategies to facilitate the discussion and treatment and oral malodor in the dental office. This course describes a useful communication model (P-LI-SS-IT) specifically aimed at discussing potentially sensitive issues. Several simulated dialogues are provided of how this communication model can be applied in the dental office.

This course will provide dental professionals with practical strategies to facilitate the discussion and treatment and oral malodor in the dental office.

Counseling and Treating Bad Breath Patients: A Step-By-Step Approach

Participants in this course will be introduced to evidence-based information related to (1) the pathogenesis, (2) risk factors, (3) diagnosis, and (4) prevention and treatment of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

Participants in this course will be introduced to evidence-based information related to (1) the pathogenesis, (2) risk factors, (3) diagnosis, and (4) prevention and treatment of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

Participants in this course will be introduced to evidence-based information related to (1) the pathogenesis, (2) risk factors, (3) diagnosis, and (4) prevention and treatment of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

Peri-implant Disease: Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment

The purpose of this course is for the dental professional to review legalization of marijuana and gain understanding on marijuana use and the impact on oral health.

The legalization of marijuana for medical use and additionally for recreational use in several states has stimulated the need for oral health professionals to be aware of the incidence of use among their patients and the impact on oral health.

The purpose of this course is for the dental professional to review legalization of marijuana and gain understanding on marijuana use and the impact on oral health.

Marijuana Use and Oral Health

Three primary causes have been identified as possible contributors of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS):  (1) neurologic, (2) psychogenic or (3) hormonal.  This course gives the participant a working knowledge of the key factors related to BMS and the psychological components, possible etiologies, pathogenesis, treatment protocol, as well as patient education related to BMS.

Three primary causes have been identified as possible contributors of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS): (1) neurologic, (2) psychogenic or (3) hormonal. This course gives the participant a working knowledge of the key factors related to BMS and the psychological components, possible etiologies, pathogenesis, treatment protocol, as well as patient education related to BMS.

Three primary causes have been identified as possible contributors of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS):  (1) neurologic, (2) psychogenic or (3) hormonal.  This course gives the participant a working knowledge of the key factors related to BMS and the psychological components, possible etiologies, pathogenesis, treatment protocol, as well as patient education related to BMS.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Knowledge about electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among healthcare professionals is limited.  This continuing education course will provide an overview of e-cigarette use, key components, mechanism of action, chemical composition, current safety, government regulations and the dental professional's role in education and recommendations.

Some former smokers are using e-cigarettes as a way to help them quit smoking traditional cigarettes; however, health claims and claims of efficacy for quitting smoking are unsupported by the scientific evidence to date. Dental professionals need to be aware of the health risks associated with this electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). The subsequent information will provide an overview of the history of e-cigarettes, components, chemical composition, prevalence and how dental professionals can become involved in education and recommendations.

Knowledge about electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among healthcare professionals is limited.  This continuing education course will provide an overview of e-cigarette use, key components, mechanism of action, chemical composition, current safety, government regulations and the dental professional's role in education and recommendations.

Electronic Cigarettes the Past, Present and Future

This continuing education course examines the major topics related to ADHD including etiology, subtypes, prognosis, implications for the dental team and other topics related to ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder in school-aged children. As healthcare providers, we will encounter patients with ADHD in our practice and must be equipped to handle their unique needs. This course examines the major topics related to ADHD including etiology, subtypes, prognosis, implications for the dental team and other topics related to ADHD.

This continuing education course examines the major topics related to ADHD including etiology, subtypes, prognosis, implications for the dental team and other topics related to ADHD.

Dental Implications of the Patient with ADHD

This continuing education course provides information to assist clinicians in understanding the diabetes mellitus disease state and how it affects the course and treatment of periodontal diseases.  The course reviews the manifestations and epidemiology of diabetes mellitus, its control and measures.

This course reviews the management of periodontal patients with diabetes mellitus. Epidemiology, disease states, risk factors and treatment considerations are discussed and the relationship between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is reviewed. The interactions and effects of each disease upon the other are considered.

This continuing education course provides information to assist clinicians in understanding the diabetes mellitus disease state and how it affects the course and treatment of periodontal diseases.  The course reviews the manifestations and epidemiology of diabetes mellitus, its control and measures.

Periodontal Management of the Diabetic Patient

This course provides current evidence-based information for the dental professional to include in the treatment and education for patients with diabetes. The course reviews the relationship between oral health and diabetes, followed by practical and applicable recommendations that can be easily incorporated into the dental treatment plan.

Diabetes is a complex, chronic illness that requires ongoing medical care with strategic risk reduction strategies beyond glycemic control. Patients require self-management education and support to prevent acute complications and reduce the risk of long-term complications. A range of evidence-based interventions are available to improve diabetes outcomes.

With an aging population and an increasing number of overweight adolescents, teenagers, and adults, the U.S. and other countries are experiencing a rapid increase in the prevalence of the disease, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D). Oral healthcare professionals might make a difference in the 24% of undiagnosed cases of diabetes by focusing on the clinical recognition of short and long-term diabetes-related symptoms at dental visits. Proper management of diabetes will positively impact a patient’s oral health, especially as it relates to risk for periodontal disease. Determining whether or not medical issues warrant immediate care before elective dental procedures is an important part of patient protocol and needs to be instituted by dental practitioners. Better overall communication and ongoing interaction between medical and oral healthcare providers is needed to improve the overall health of individuals with diabetes.

This course provides current evidence-based information for the dental professional to include in the treatment and education for patients with diabetes. The course reviews the relationship between oral health and diabetes, followed by practical and applicable recommendations that can be easily incorporated into the dental treatment plan.

Diabetes: A Multifaceted Syndrome with Treatment Considerations in Dentistry

This continuing education course describes the criteria for judging the quality of a research report and provides guidelines for interpreting the research information. These skills will help oral healthcare professionals decide whether or not to incorporate the research findings into their patient therapy and practice procedures.

Oral healthcare professionals need to ascertain the quality of journals and to read articles critically, distinguishing good from poor research. Reading critically involves having a working knowledge of research while maintaining a healthy skepticism. Brian Burt[1](/en-us/professional-education/ce-courses/ce46/references#1) describes such skepticism as "somewhere between blind acceptance and blanket distrust." Just because a study is in print or on the Internet does not mean the conclusions about a therapy or product should be accepted at face value. The art of literature criticism is a skill that can be learned, and the practice of this art will contribute to knowledge of the literature.

The oral health practitioner must continually review dental research articles to learn about new options for therapy and oral health products. How does the practitioner know when he/she should incorporate these new procedures into their practice? This continuing education course presents guidelines for critically evaluating the research and for making decisions about how to apply the research findings to clinical practice. This course builds on the previous course, "*[Using Research for Clinical Decision-Making: Elements of a Research Report](/en-us/professional-education/ce-courses/ce45),*" that describes the various components of a research report.

This continuing education course describes the criteria for judging the quality of a research report and provides guidelines for interpreting the research information. These skills will help oral healthcare professionals decide whether or not to incorporate the research findings into their patient therapy and practice procedures.

Using Research for Clinical Decision-Making: Evaluating a Research Report

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