Pacific Dental Services® Empowers Dental and Medical Professionals with Inaugural Mouth-Body Connection® Symposium

Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to advancing health care with the successful hosting of its first-ever Mouth-Body Connection® Symposium. Held in Irvine, California, the event brought together PDS-supported dentists, dental hygienists, and primary care providers for an exploration of the critical link between oral health and overall wellbeing, according to a press release from PDS.

Underscoring PDS's dedication to continuous education and clinical expertise development, the symposium served as a platform for attendees to glean insights from industry experts on preventive dentistry and the integration of dental and medical care. The event featured distinguished keynote speakers such as Amy Doneen, DNP, ARNP, a trailblazer in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes; Dirk-Rolf Gieselmann, a leader in periodontal health; and PDS Founder and CEO Stephen E. Thorne IV.

One of the key focuses of the symposium was the correlation between oral health and overall health. Presentations highlighted the Mouth-Body Connection mindset, dental-medical integration, incorporating arterial health into dental practice, and the utilization of advanced tools such as aMMP-8/OralFitnessCheck® and salivary and blood testing for improved patient outcomes.

PDS Founder and CEO, Stephen E. Thorne IV, expressed the significance of the symposium, stating, "Our inaugural Mouth-Body Connection Symposium was a powerful educational platform, marking the beginning of a growth trajectory for our dental and medical professionals. Recognizing the mouth as a gateway to the body, the event emphasized a comprehensive, integrated approach to oral health."

The conference's curriculum is an integral part of PDS's continuing education program, offering a diverse selection of free units online or in-person through PDS University® – Institute of Dentistry. Attendees earned 7 continuing education credits, enhancing their expertise and staying at the forefront of advancements in dental health care.

PDS, as an early adopter of salivary and blood testing, showcased its commitment to innovation in health care. Practices supported by PDS initiated pilot programs in 2020, utilizing active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) and point-of-care blood glucose (HbA1c) testing to identify early signs of disease and improve patient outcomes.

Numerous PDS-supported clinicians shared success stories during the symposium, illustrating the positive impact of embracing the Mouth-Body Connection in their practices. Diana Do-Yabut, DMD, a PDS-supported general dentist and multi-practice owner, expressed gratitude, stating, "The insights from the experts in the field enhanced my understanding and validated my purpose for incorporating saliva testing in my practice–so I could better understand the best way to treat their periodontal disease and reduce long-term systemic health risks. I am thankful to have the opportunity to incorporate a Mouth-Body Connection mindset in my daily practice and cannot imagine practicing any other way.”

The Mouth-Body Connection Symposium not only served as an educational forum but also as a testament to PDS's commitment to transforming dental and medical care through proactive and integrated approaches, ultimately benefiting patient health outcomes.