Presented by: Krystal Afzalzada, B.Ed, RDH, CDAII

The Aging Population, Alzheimer’s & Oral Health: A Hygienist’s Role

CE Hours: 2 (Online)

Online Date:

Monday, October 5th, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

Can’t attend live? No problem! All sessions are recorded and automatically uploaded to your rdhu Members Portal within 2–3 days — no need to request access. You'll receive immediate access to the portal, post-test quiz, and certificate right after the course. Recordings remain available for 30 days.

Course Description:

This course is designed to equip registered dental hygienists with the essential knowledge and skills to care for the aging population. Throughout the course, participants will explore the critical intersection of oral health and common senior health conditions in Canada, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. With a focus on empathy and effective communication, this course provides dental hygienists with the tools to positively impact the quality of life for elderly patients, by exploring how to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care that meets unique needs.

Learning Objectives:

Understand common age-related diseases and how they affect oral health, reinforcing the importance of continuous professional development.
Discover dental hygiene care plans for individuals with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other systemic diseases, in alignment with best practices.
Assess the oral health effects of medications commonly prescribed to older adults and implement appropriate care strategies.
Communicate effectively when working with patients who have cognitive or physical impairments.
Recognize and manage potential medical emergencies that may arise in a dental setting when treating elderly patients.