Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Oral Health and Nutrition
COURSE NUMBER: 583
Diane Vernetti-Callahan, RDH, MS Ed
Credit Hours:
3 Hour(s)
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This course is designed to elevate your understanding of the powerful connection between optimal nutrition and oral health. As dental professionals, we occupy a unique and critical role on the front lines of healthcare. The oral cavity, oft...
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Overview
This course is designed to elevate your understanding of the powerful connection between optimal nutrition and oral health. As dental professionals, we occupy a unique and critical role on the front lines of healthcare. The oral cavity, often called the “window to overall health” can reveal early signs of systemic conditions, placing us in a prime position to identify and address broader health concerns.
Through our regular interactions with patients, we have a valuable opportunity to offer evidence based nutritional guidance. By doing so, we can empower individuals to make informed dietary choices that support not only their oral health but their overall well-being.
Intended Audience:
Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assisting Students, Dental Therapists
Date Course Online:
May 31, 2019
Last Revision Date:
Sep 11, 2025
Course Expiration Date:
Sep 30, 2028
Cost:
Free
Method:
Self-instructional
AGD Subject Code(s):
150
Technical Requirements:
Stable internet connection and the latest version of browser and device software are recommended.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
- Describe the basic principles of nutrition and their relevance to oral and systemic health.
- Identify the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients in maintaining oral health.
- Compare evidence-based dietary patterns such as Mediterranean, Keto, Paleo, Carnivore, and MIND diets.
- Describe the protective roles of phytonutrients in oral and systemic health.
- Explain dysbiosis and role of oral microbiome.
- Evaluate the use of prebiotics and probiotics in oral health management.
- Identify nutritional factors contributing to dental caries and periodontal disease.
- Recognized oral manifestations of eating and feeding disorders (FED).
- Describe the links between diabetes and oral health.
- Develop precision nutritional counseling strategies tailored to individual needs.
- Collaborate effectively with dietitians and other health professionals.
- Identify the impact of food insecurity on oral health disparities and propose strategies to address them.
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.
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
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, 2024-December 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.
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