3 Credit Hours

This course explores the evolving role of the dental hygienist in managing oral-systemic health through a modern, personalized approach to periodontal care. Participants will understand of the relationship between oral inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, emphasizing infection vs. inflammation and
understanding the body’s immune response. The course introduces the role of genetic susceptibility and host response in periodontal disease. Attendees will also be introduced to advanced adjunctive therapies, including salivary diagnostics, microbiome modulation, probiotics, and targeted nutritional support.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate between infection and inflammation in systemic disease
• Explain the relationship between periodontal disease, CVD, and diabetes
• Understand the role of the immune systems in periodontal progression
• Identify how genetic variability influences host response and treatment outcomes
• Evaluate the use of salivary diagnostics in periodontal risk assessment
• Understand the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and nutrients in health and healing
• Recognize the limitations and potential risks of indiscriminate probiotic and
  antiseptic use

Jill Taylor is a highly accomplished dental professional with more than 39 years of experience in clinical practice and education. A graduate of the Community College of Southern Nevada and DeVry University, she is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Certified Health Specialist, and Certified Nutritional Consultant.

Her clinical expertise spans non-surgical, laser-assisted periodontal therapy, molecular testing, and integrative approaches to oral-systemic health. Jill has co-authored articles in leading dental journals and is recognized for her ability to bridge advanced science with practical patient care.

For 14 years, she served as Hygiene Program Director at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where she trained dental teams across North America in comprehensive patient care—including restorative, occlusal, medical risk, sleep apnea, oral cancer, detox, myofunctional therapy, and periodontal health.

An international speaker and thought leader, Jill continues to share her knowledge of cutting- edge dental technologies and serves as the all-day hygiene speaker for Fotona at their international symposium, where she teaches advanced laser applications to fellow professionals.

Dental Society of Western PA is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider Approved by Pennsylvania Dental Association.
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.
Dental Society of Western PA designates this activity for 6 continuing education credits.