Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Oral Health

COURSE NUMBER: 573

Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, MS

Credit Hours:

1 Hour(s)

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This course seeks to discuss the interrelationship of oral health and mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression and to provide dental healthcare providers with tools to intervene and help improve overall health for individua...

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Overview Learning Objectives Disclaimers Author(s)Submission Information Recognition

Overview

Currently, it is estimated that 322 million people worldwide live with depression and approximately 7.6% of U.S. adults had at least one depressive episode in 2017.^1,2 Despite these staggering figures, mental health, anxiety, and substance use disorders are still significantly under-reported and treatment is often delayed or avoided due to stigma or embarrassment. Anxiety, depression, and stress have also been linked to poorer oral health status and treatment outcomes.^3-8 This relationship has been linked to the alterations that stress may induce on the immune system. Additionally, adequate treatment and antidepressant agents have anti-inflammatory functions that may serve to improve outcomes during periodontal therapy,⁹ but their adverse effects on salivary flow may impact caries rates.¹⁰ Because of the high prevalence of anxiety and depression in the population and the importance of adequate treatment for oral and overall health outcomes, identification, screening, and referral of at-risk patients seen in the dental office is a critical part of ensuring overall patient wellness.

Intended Audience:
Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assistant Students
Date Course Online:
Dec 11, 2019
Last Revision Date:
NA
Course Expiration Date:
Dec 10, 2022
Cost:
Free
Method:
Self-instructional
AGD Subject Code(s):
153

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:

Review the current data on the prevalence, severity, and therapy options for anxiety and depression.
Identify screening tools and warning signs for anxiety and depression that can be employed by dental healthcare providers in the dental office.
Understand the current evidence linking anxiety and depression and oral diseases, including caries and periodontal disease.
Discuss mechanisms of interaction between antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication and treatment outcomes for periodontal disease and caries.
Be prepared to work in an integrated interdisciplinary team to assess risk factors, screen, and refer patients who may be at risk for anxiety and depression.

Disclaimers

P&G is providing these resource materials to dental professionals. We do not own this content nor are we responsible for any material herein.
Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice. Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.

Note: Registration is required to take test.

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Author(s)

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

The author reports no conflicts of interest associated with this course.

Maria L. Geisinger

DDS, MS

miagdds@uab.edu

Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS is a Professor and Director of Advanced Education in Periodontology in the Department of Periodontology in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry. Dr. Geisinger received her BS in Biology ...

Submission Information

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Submission For credit transfers to appear in your AGD account in real time, make sure to add your AGD membership number in the field provided on the “Share Your Test Score” page.

CE Broker For all states that use CE Broker for licensure, “proof of completions” are electronically reported the first of every month. If a course was taken in November, the “proof of completion” will be submitted the beginning of December.

Recognition

ADA CERP Recognized Provider

The Procter & Gamble Company is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a dental CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at:

https://www.ada.org/en/ccepr/ada-cerp-recognition/complaints

Approved PACE Program Provider

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY

Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.

Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.

8/1/2021 to 7/31/2027

Provider ID# 211886

AADH Approved Program Provider

Procter & Gamble is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPGC (January 1, 2022-December 31, 2023). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.