Dental hygienists play an important role on dental teams in building relationships with patients. Those relationships establish trust and provide opportunities to educate, encourage and motivate the behavioral changes necessary to assist patients to achieve optimal oral health. To best educate and inform, it is important for hygienists to have knowledge of medical history, periodontal treatment, periodontal recall, restorative options for occlusal rehabilitation, and informed consent for tooth replacement. This case will provide an opportunity for hygienists to observe a patient and brainstorm what treatment possibilities could exist to restore periodontal health, provide chewing function, improve the patient’s smile, and create a recall plan for long-term oral health success. Dr Nygaard will share the completed treatment and the impact on the patient as an example of the life-changing dentistry our SSC dental teams create every day!

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Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Outline clinical parameters that dictate non-surgical versus surgical periodontal therapy.

• Educate patients about tooth replacement options for missing teeth.

• Motivate patients to continue in recall for the long haul to achieve oral systemic health and reconstructive success.