Oral-Systemic Connection Symposium gives glimpse of future for whole-patient healthcare

Symposium Keynote Speaker Caswell Evans, DDS, MPH,

More than 150 healthcare students, practitioners and researchers got some intriguing new reasons to consider the connection between oral and physical health in their patients. The Oral-Systemic Connection Symposium: New Frontiers in Prevention, was held on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Sponsored by the Delta Dental of Colorado Frontier Center, based in the School of Dental Medicine, the day featured nationally renowned speakers Caswell Evans, DDS, MPH; and Paul Casamassimo, DDS, MS. The physicians’ perspective was provided by Mark Deutchman, MD; and David Gaspar, MD, both with the UCD School of Medicine.

Dr. Evans is the Associate Dean of Prevention and Public Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry; Dr. Casamassimo is a Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at The Ohio State University, and Chief of Dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“Oral health is an integral component of overall well being,” said Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “Data continues to emerge linking oral infection and the inflammation of periodontal disease to increased risks for systemic illness. The risk is felt throughout all stages of our patients’ lives – from pregnancy to adulthood.

Mark Deutchman, MD, at the podium for the afternoon breakout session "Oral and Systemic Preventive Healthcare for Medical and Dental Professionals," presented with John McDowell, DDS, MS.

“It’s important to be cognizant of and discuss the pathobiology and morbidity associated with conditions such as diabetes, vascular, and respiratory diseases; as well as the ever-critical opportunities for prevention.”

That lifelong connection between oral health and systemic health was reinforced with presentations by School of Dental Medicine faculty Lonnie Johnson, DDS, PhD; John McDowell, DDS, MS; Douglas Berkey, DMD, MPH, MS; and Rich Call, DMS, MS.

You can see a PDF of Dr. Casamassimo’s morning presentation on Oral Systemic Relationships Throughout the Life Span by clicking HERE.