This program dives into the critical connections between oral health and the other systems within the body. Learners will have a greater understanding of the signs and symptoms of oral diseases, the common risk factors that contribute to oral disease, and the correlation between oral disease and the presentation of diabetes, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular conditions. A true “eye-opener”, this program also equips learners with educational strategies for preventing and managing oral health disorders to reduce the risk of disease in other seemingly distinct bodily systems. Additionally addressing disparities in oral health, the learner can contribute to a healthier future for themselves as well as their patients and/or students.
This program is sponsored by Colgate.
Program Courses:
- Oral Health and Respiratory Disease
- Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease
- Oral Health and Diabetes
Learning Outcomes:
Oral Health and Respiratory Disease
- Discuss the relationship between oral health problems and respiratory diseases across the lifespan, including pneumonia, COPD, and asthma.
- Describe the prevalence of oral health problems globally.
- Develop a plan for promotion of oral health to reduce risk of respiratory diseases.
Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of oral disease.
- Identify the common risk factors that may contribute to the development of both oral and cardiovascular diseases.
- Correlate the mechanisms and connections by which oral disease can impact cardiovascular health.
- Discuss educational strategies for preventing and managing oral health disorders that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Examine the oral health disparities among children and minorities and its global impact.
Oral Health and Diabetes
- Discuss the importance of oral health screening and assessment of patients with diabetes mellitus.
- Identify the bidirectional factors that influence oral health and glycemic control in diabetes mellitus.
- Identify social determinants of health that impact the individual’s oral health and diabetes health outcomes.
- List oral health recommendations in nursing care and education of patients with diabetes mellitus.
Author and Content Reviewer Biographies
Cindy Munro
Oral Health and Respiratory Disease
Dr. Cindy Munro has published more than 200 articles and presented at many national and international conferences. Her NIH-funded research on oral care in critically ill adults has had an important impact on clinical practice. In 2016, Sigma Theta Tau International inducted Munro into its International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame. She is an American Academy of Nursing Fellow and EdgeRunner.
Audrey Miller, PhD, MSN Ed. APRN, PPCNP-BC, CPN, CNE
Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease
Dr. Miller’s program of research is in the field of Oral Health and Preventive Health Care for underprivileged, underserved children. She developed an Oral Health Educational Program, researching post-knowledge in Head Start families. To further the depth and breadth of her research, she has incorporated the Effects of Nutrition and Oral Diseases on Oral Health and growth and development with her research partner Dr. Chanadra Young-Whiting. Dr. Miller has presented and published in peer-reviewed journals; and her advocacy for Pediatric healthcare and education has led to her to receiving multiple prestigious local, regional, and national awards.
Chanadra Young-Whiting, EdD, MPH/HSA, CHES
Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease
Dr. Whiting is a certified educator in the State of Florida, specializing in Exceptional Student Education (ESE), Elementary Education, and Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum encompassing disciplines like mathematics, science, health, physical education, social studies, and language arts. She also holds a Certified Health Educator (CHES) credential and has taken on administrative roles, notably as a team leader and science department chair.
Dianne Conrad, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, FNAP
Oral Health and Diabetes
Dr. Dianne Conrad is a Family Nurse Practitioner and is Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management. She is also a retired Associate Professor at Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing. She is a recognized and published authority in the Doctor of Nursing Practice education and practice. Dr. Conrad has an extensive nursing practice focus including DNP practice scholarship, diabetic management, informatics, spinal cord injury prevention as well as parish nursing.
Donna Rinker, DNP
Oral Health and Diabetes
Dr. Donna Rinker, DNP is a Family Nurse Practitioner of 30 years providing primary care and mental health services for underserved and vulnerable populations throughout the lifespan. She also serves as faculty and preceptor for medical students and advanced practice nurses. Dr. Rinker was instrumental in implementing an oral health screening and referral program in a primary care clinic. She has developed learning modules and simulation scenarios for advanced practice nursing students. Dr. Rinker speaks on the importance of oral health screening and assessment in primary care.
