Summary
This presentation, sponsored by BioGaia, explores the shift from broad
bacterial eradication to ecological management of the oral microbiome.
Participants will examine how biofilm behaviour, microbial dysbiosis, and
host response contribute to both caries and periodontal disease, then
consider how selective clinical strategies can help reduce pathogenic
burden without disrupting beneficial species. Using a practical weed,
seed, feed framework, the course will introduce ways to disrupt harmful
biofilm, support beneficial bacteria, and create conditions that favour a
healthier oral ecosystem. Participants will leave with an
evidence-informed, clinically relevant approach to managing the oral
environment with greater precision.
Presenter
Beth Parkes, RDH, BSc (she, her/elle)
Beth Parkes RDH, BSc, is an engaging international speaker who has
been a registered dental hygienist for 20 years. She has gained her
clinical knowledge and skills through general and independent dental
hygiene practice, mobile dental hygiene, orthodontics, and
periodontics. Beyond her clinical experience, Beth is the Manager of
Clinical Affairs for Curion, a writer, a speaker, and cast member of
the dental hygiene talk show, The RDH View, and a board member for
Dental Hygiene Quarterly. Her overarching goal is to
cultivate future leaders within the dental hygiene profession,
equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in
their careers while helping their patients obtain
and maintain optimal oral health.
Learning Outcomes
After the webinar, participants will be able to:
-
Describe the oral microbiome as a dynamic ecosystem and explain the
shift from eradication-based care to ecological management
-
Review how biofilm dynamics, dysbiosis, and host response contribute
to caries and periodontal disease
-
Evaluate selective strategies that disrupt pathogenic biofilm while
supporting a healthier oral microbiome