Friday 23rd May:
Issues with the Tissues - guiding compromised patients to better health
With the ever-increasing range of drugs prescribed for our population and the longevity of our aging population, it is important to understand the oral manifestation that can occur in our patient’s oral cavity. From compromised patients with multi pharmaceutical prescriptions to auto immune disease issues, the oral cavity can indicate that there may be a situation that needs our care and knowledge to improve the healing and comfort of our patients.
With all of us performing oral cancer screening, assessing the tissues, and referring our patients for specialist opinions, it is our duty to ensure the oral cavity is at its optimal level of health. We need to continue to have a better understanding about the oral inflammatory burden, which adds to increase signs and symptoms of lesions and to the whole-body connection. We should improve inter-disciplinary healthcare and collaboration and be aware of the mouth-body systemic health links.
This lecture is designed to help dental professionals update their knowledge, so they can provide patients with information to gain an optimal level of oral health, with minimal intervention.
Course goals:
- Discuss the importance of oral cancer screening and review trends
- Understand the oral implications of systemic diseases.
- Hydration - dehydration in relationship to the oral cavity
- Discuss dietary counselling
- Understand the oral manifestations of some pharmaceutical reactions.
- Understand home care requirements for compromised patients.
Course outcomes:
- To gain confidence and be able provide a clear and distinct review of oral cancer screening
- Dental professionals will be able to identify and manage problems related to the oral cavity.
- To understand common problems encountered with auto immune diseases in connection to the oral cavity
- To be able to provide guidance for patients regarding diet
- To understand the importance of hydration and a balanced oral cavity.
- To gain an understanding of reactions in the oral cavity that may be linked to pharmaceuticals
- To learn oral hygiene techniques to support good oral health.
- To be able to develop a maintenance program for patients.