Presented by: Susan Woodley, RDH

What Happens in the Mouth Doesn’t Stay in the Mouth : From Awareness to Action

CE Hours: 1.5

Online Date:

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST

Course Description:

What Happens in the Mouth Doesn’t Stay in the Mouth is an evidence‑based, clinically relevant program designed for dental professionals who want to deepen their understanding of the oral–systemic connection and elevate the way they educate and engage patients.

For decades, the destructive nature of periodontitis has been well established, and the oral–systemic link has been recognized across the dentistry and medicine. Yet today’s environment, marked by increased cancellations and shifting patient priorities, demands a refreshed, compelling approach to communication.

This course explores the biological mechanisms that connect periodontal disease with systemic conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, asthma, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Participants will learn how oral pathogens travel, how inflammation amplifies systemic burden, and how dental teams can intervene through prevention, early detection, and comprehensive hygiene treatment planning.

Beyond the science, the course delivers “Best‑in‑Class” strategies for educating patients, reinforcing the value of routine care, and engaging every member of the dental team, including administrative staff to create a unified, patient‑centered message that drives compliance, trust, and long‑term health outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate a clear understanding of how periodontal pathogens, inflammation, and host response contribute to systemic conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, asthma, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

2. Apply comprehensive evaluation methods to identify oral disease, systemic risk factors, and individualized prevention or management strategies within dental hygiene appointments.

3. Translate complex scientific concepts into meaningful conversations that increase patient understanding, trust, and compliance—especially in environments with rising cancellations and no‑shows.

4. Equip clinical and administrative team members with consistent, evidence‑based communication strategies that reinforce the value of routine care and support patient follow‑through.

5. Elevate the role of dental hygienists as primary prevention specialists by advocating for oral health as an essential component of systemic health and long‑term patient outcomes.

We encourage you to join us live whenever possible so you can participate in the discussion, ask questions and enjoy the full learning experience.

All sessions are recorded and automatically uploaded to your rdhu Members Portal within 2–3 business days—there is no need to request access. You will receive immediate access to the course materials and portal, where the recording, post-test quiz and certificate will be available following the course. Recordings remain available for 30 days after they are uploaded.