Vermont State Dental Society Sponsors Lecture by Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel
Leading Periodontist to teach day-long course on link between periodontal disease and systemic infection
South Burlington, VT - The Vermont State Dental Society Council (VSDS) today announced that Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a nationally recognized lecturer on a wide range of periodontal topics, will teach a day-long course to over 170 Vermont dentists and dental team members on Friday April 9 at the Stowe Mountain Lodge.
The "Periodontal-Systemic Link" seminar will focus on the connection between periodontal disease and systemic infection, which is of increasing interest to the dental profession. Periodontal diseases and oral infections have been linked to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, respiratory diseases, diabetes and osteoporosis.
"Moderate to severe periodontitis does appear to increase a person's risk for cardiovascular disease," said Otomo-Corgel. "Today, we also believe that reducing inflammation in the periodontal tissues may affect the progression of cardiovascular disease and its outcomes."
Otomo-Corgel argues that good oral hygiene can go a long way to reduce the presence of bacteria in the body and the risk of developing other systemic diseases. "Here's what we in the dental and medical profession know and what you can do to protect your health," she said. "The healthier you keep your mouth and body, the better your chances of reducing your risk for both periodontal and heart disease."
This course will review the systemic diseases and the recent research evaluating their correlation with periodontal diseases and implant therapy. The second half of the course will cover “female considerations in periodontal therapy”, where clinical therapy from both the medical and dental (periodontal) management perspectives will be described with an emphasis on osteoporosis.
"There is increasing evidence of a strong link between good periodontal care and lowering the incidence of heart disease and other systemic infections," said Peter Taylor, VSDS Executive Director. "We're honored that Dr. Otomo-Corgel will be here to share her knowledge in this important area of periodontal research."
Dr. Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH, is currently associate professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics and chair of periodontal research at the VA Medical Center in Los Angeles. She is past president of the Western Society of Periodontology, National VA Periodontists, and UCLS Chapter of OKU.
Otomo-Corgel's lecture is sponsored by The Vermont State Dental Society Council on Continuing Education.
About the VSDS
The Vermont State Dental Society is a voluntary membership organization of dental professionals who, together with the American Dental Association, work to improve the oral health of the citizens of Vermont and serve the profession of dentistry.
www.vsds.org