Rebalancing the Mouth: Germs, Terrain, and the Future of Periodontal Assessment

Rebalancing the Mouth: Germs, Terrain, and the Future of Periodontal Assessment

Attend by Live – Interactive Webinar or Live at our School

2 Ceu’s 

Presentation Description:
Periodontal disease is often framed as a bacterial infection, but is that the whole story? This presentation will explore the intersection of germ theory and terrain theory in the context of periodontal disease, emphasizing a balanced, evidence-informed perspective known as germ-terrain duality. Participants will examine how microbial presence alone doesn’t determine disease outcomes, and why assessing the internal “terrain” of the host—including immune function, oral pH, nutrition, and systemic inflammation—is critical to personalized, biological care. Attendees will leave with practical tools to assess both pathogen load and terrain resilience, ultimately enhancing their ability to deliver truly integrative periodontal therapy.

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

1. Differentiate between germ theory, terrain theory, and germ-terrain duality as they apply to periodontal disease.
2. Identify key host factors that influence disease progression, including immune response, oral ecology, and systemic health indicators.
3. Integrate microbial testing with terrain-based assessments to create a comprehensive patient evaluation.
4. Apply clinical strategies that support both microbial balance and terrain restoration in the management of periodontal disease.
5. Communicate this dual-theory approach effectively to patients, enhancing understanding and compliance with biological treatment plans.

Instructor:   Fran Horning BRDH, HIAOMT

Fran is a certified and accredited biological dental hygienist with 37 years of experience in the field and lectures internationally.  She is the Associate Director of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, serves on their board, and is the Hygiene Committee Chair. Fran serves on the IAOMT Hygiene Committee and as a Hygiene Mentor. She is a coach/trainer in the practice of biological dentistry for Integrative Perio Solutions LLC,  KT Dental Seminars LLC, and she presents regularly at Dental Studies Institute.

Requirements to attend a live webinar:

Live webinars are considered live credits, not distance learning.

You will need a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer to view it. If using a smartphone or tablet, it is best to have the app for the program on your device (i.e. Zoom).
To verify your continued attendance during the class, you will need a microphone, or the ability to type into the program’s live chat.
Webcam
Instructors or school personnel will take attendance periodically throughout the class.
Instructors may call on participants.
To verify attendance, a code word may be given sometime during the class.
You will be required to complete and return an evaluation after the course has ended. The evaluation may ask what code word was given.
You may not receive your Certificate of Completion if we cannot verify your attendance.

Live webinar invitations are emailed to registered students approximately one day prior to the class.

Certificates of Completion are emailed to students approximately 5 business days after the course.

This program is for the full dental staff – no prior skills are needed to attend.

The teaching method will be in a lecture format with a Q & A period.