Northern Virginia Dental Hygienists' Component

Presents

The Dental Hygienists' Role in Risk-Based Periodontal Therapy

About Our Speaker

Carol Jahn, RDH, MS

Carol has a BS in dental hygiene from the University of Iowa and an MS in Continuing Education from the University of St Francis. She has been a dental hygienist since 1982. Currently, she is the Director of Professional Relations & Education for Water Pik, Inc.

Course Description

Working with periodontal patients to achieve optimal outcomes can be one of our biggest clinical challenges. Advances in research indicate that the successful prevention and treatment of periodontal disease hinges on assessing and managing the factors that increase the patient’s risk for periodontal disease and its progression. This course will review the factors that increase the risk for periodontal disease and help you create talking points for greater treatment acceptance.

Topics Covered

• New AAP classification system of grading and staging
• Risk assessment: smoking, diabetes, biofilm
• Gingival inflammation and bleeding
• Oral/systemic health considerations
• Periodontal debridement/SRP/maintenance
• Peri-implantitis/mucositis
• Self-care strategies
• Communication and behavior change

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the role of staging and grading in assessing periodontal therapy.
2. Discover the power of skilled inquiry in medical interviewing.
3. Utilize the medical history to personalize care.
4. List the key risk factors for the risk, severity, and progression of periodontitis and peri-implant diseases.
5. Discuss the current state of the oral/systemic link.
6. Evaluate the research on periodontal debridement/SRP/periodontal maintenance.
7. Discuss the role of evidence-based clinical standards in patient care.
8. Develop key messages and strategies for motivating patients.
9. Recommend appropriate self-care products.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Live via Zoom

CE: Two (2) hours

Registration

Fees:

• ADHA/VDHA Member – $20.00
• Non-ADHA Member – $40.00
• Current dental hygiene student – Free

Registration Link: https://vdha.wildapricot.org/event-6433311

Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

No refund for cancellation one week prior to the course date.

A Zoom link will be provided a couple of days prior to the event.

Questions?

Questions/concerns please contact:

Betsy Di Silvio, RDH

NVDHC CE Chair

Email: [email protected]

Northern Virginia Dental Hygienists' Component is an approved course provider by the Virginia Board of Dentistry.