Spear-Behavioral Influences on Susceptibility to Periodontitis

Instructor: Dr. Mike McDevitt

Introduction

The susceptibility to periodontitis is not solely determined by genetics or bacterial infection but is influenced by behavioral choices. In this course, Dr. Mike McDevitt empowers dental professionals to engage in meaningful conversations with their patients about these choices. It aims to break the stigmas and judgment often associated with discussing poor health behaviors, encouraging compassionate and educational discourse instead.

Course Analysis

The course stands out for its focus on behavioral factors and how these can influence the course of periodontitis. Dr. McDevitt takes a compassionate and nuanced approach to educating dental professionals about discussing sensitive topics like smoking and diet, giving them tools to help their patients make better decisions.

Key Features

1. Risk Factor Identification: Understand the different behaviors and choices that contribute to periodontitis, and how to discuss them sensitively with patients.
2. Smoking and its Effects: Dive deep into the effects of smoking and smoking cessation aids on periodontal health.
3. Trauma and Inflammation: Learn the relationship between occlusal trauma and periodontal inflammation.

Learning Objectives

1. Risk Factors: Identify the behavioral risk factors that can influence susceptibility to periodontitis.
2. Smoking Impacts: Understand the detrimental effects of smoking and cessation aids on the periodontium.
3. Occlusal Trauma: Understand how occlusal trauma relates to periodontal inflammation and the importance of addressing it in treatment plans.

Target Audience

Dentists, periodontists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and other dental professionals who wish to enhance their approach to periodontal care by understanding and addressing behavioral factors.

Personal Reflection

This course brings an important but often overlooked aspect of periodontal care into the spotlight. Dr. McDevitt’s approach ensures that dental professionals don’t just treat the symptoms, but also address the root causes of the disease by involving patients in their own care.

Conclusion

“Spear-Behavioral Influences on Susceptibility to Periodontitis” offers a comprehensive understanding of how behavior influences periodontal health. The course equips dental professionals with the skills to address these sensitive topics in a compassionate manner, aiming to change patient behavior and improve outcomes.

Course Rating and Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This course is essential for any dental professional looking to provide comprehensive periodontal care. It offers actionable strategies for engaging patients in meaningful conversations about their health, going beyond standard treatments to tackle the root causes of periodontitis. Highly recommended.