Masterclass Certificate in Geriatric Dental Hygiene

About this Podcast

HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in geriatric dental hygiene and the instructor of the new Masterclass Certificate in Geriatric Dental Hygiene. Dr. Smith, can you tell us what inspired you to create this course? GUEST: Absolutely, I've seen a growing need for specialized dental care for older adults, and there's a gap in professional development for dental hygienists in this area. HOST: That's so important. In your experience, what are some of the age-related oral diseases that this course covers? GUEST: We focus on periodontal disease and xerostomia, or dry mouth, which are common in older adults due to factors like medication use and systemic conditions. HOST: How does managing medications and medical conditions impact oral health, and how does the course address this? GUEST: Many medications can affect oral health, and medical conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of periodontal disease. Our course delves into these complexities and offers best practices for care. HOST: That's fascinating. How does the course help dental hygienists develop patient communication skills tailored to geriatric needs? GUEST: We provide strategies for addressing cognitive decline, sensory impairments, and other age-related challenges to ensure effective communication and high-quality care. HOST: What are some common challenges instructors and students face when learning or teaching this subject, and how does the course overcome them? GUEST: One challenge is the rapidly evolving nature of geriatric care, but our course stays current by incorporating the latest research and best practices. For students, the challenge can be applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations; we use case studies and practical exercises to bridge this gap. HOST: Where do you see the future of geriatric dental hygiene, and how does this course prepare professionals for that future? GUEST: The aging population will continue to grow, so the demand for geriatric dental hygienists will increase. This course equips students with the skills and knowledge to be at the forefront of this expanding field. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing valuable insights into the Masterclass Certificate in Geriatric Dental Hygiene. We're excited to see the positive impact this course will have on the industry. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.