September 23, 2026

The Oral Inflammatory Burden: Clinical Implications Beyond the Mouth

Inflammation serves as a critical link between oral health and systemic disease. This interdisciplinary session brings together experts in periodontology, pharmacy, and nutrition to explore how chronic inflammation influences overall health, the role medications play in managing inflammatory burden, and practical lifestyle strategies that support better patient outcomes. Attendees will gain actionable insights to enhance collaborative, whole-person care across medical and dental settings.

Intended audience:

Dentists, dental hygienists, physicians, nurses, clinical and administrative staff of private practices, public facilities (Federally Qualified Health Centers [FQHCs], state and county health departments), and nonprofit clinics.

Continuing Dental Education Units:

CEUs provided by USAble Life: 3 continuing dental education credits.

This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) through joint efforts between USAble Life, Florida Blue Foundation, and Florida Combined Life.

Agenda

2:00 PM  |  Welcome & Housekeeping

Noel Catanho & Susan Towler

2:10 PM  |  Keynote - Session I: Periodontal Disease and Systemic Inflammation

Dr. Matilde Hernandez, DDS, MS, MBA, MPH, FICD

Periodontal disease is more than a localized oral condition—it is a chronic inflammatory disease with far-reaching systemic implications. Dr. Hernandez will examine the latest evidence connecting periodontal disease with overall health, highlighting key inflammatory pathways and biologic mechanisms that link oral and systemic conditions. Through an evidence-based lens, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how inflammation drives disease and why oral health is an essential component of whole-person care.

Q&A to follow. Moderator: Noel Catanho

3:10 PM  |  Session II: Medication Impacts on Oral-Systemic Health

Dr. Scott McClelland, PharmD, RPh

As the use of medications that influence inflammation continues to expand, healthcare providers must understand their impact on oral health and dental treatment planning. Dr. McClelland will explore the science and clinical considerations surrounding GLP-1 receptor agonists, including their mechanisms of action, oral health effects, and patient management strategies. He will also discuss other commonly prescribed medications—including anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, SSRIs, and calcium channel blockers—and their implications for oral disease risk, treatment decisions, and interdisciplinary care.

Q&A to follow. Moderator: Noel Catanho

3:46 PM  |  BREAK

3:55 PM  |  Session III: Taming the Flame: Using Nutrition and Lifestyle to Modify Inflammation

Amanda Musin, MS, RDN, LDN

What patients eat, how they move, and the lifestyle choices they make can significantly influence inflammatory burden and long-term health outcomes. Amanda Musin will translate the science of inflammation into practical, patient-centered recommendations that clinicians can apply immediately. Attendees will learn about foods and dietary patterns that support healthy inflammatory responses, the role of physical activity and lifestyle behaviors, and effective strategies for empowering patients to make sustainable changes that benefit both oral and systemic health.

Q&A to follow. Moderator: Noel Catanho

4:32 PM  |  Panel Discussion and Q&A

All Speakers

Moderator: Suzanne Ebert, DMD

4:52 PM  |  Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

Suzanne Ebert, DMD

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

· Explain the relationship between periodontal inflammation and systemic health.

· Describe key inflammatory pathways involved in oral-systemic disease connections.

· Identify medications that influence inflammation, oral health status, and dental treatment planning.

· Recognize health considerations associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists and other commonly prescribed medications.

· Discuss evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies that support healthy inflammatory responses.

· Apply interdisciplinary approaches to improve patient outcomes through medical-dental integration.

USAble Life is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

USAble Life designates this activity for 3 continuing education credits.

Registration Costs

Non-CEU Participant

Free

Dental CEU Participant

Free

MDIS programs are currently offered free of charge and held virtually. In the event of a cancellation or postponement, all registered participants will be notified via email as soon as possible. While no fees are involved, we encourage participants to update their registration status promptly if they are unable to attend.