Providing Evidence Based Oral Health Care to Individuals Diagnosed with Degenerative Disorders, Part 2: Parkinson’s Disease

This continuing education course will provide an overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD); describe drug and non-drug treatments commonly used to treat PD; and present ways for dental professionals to modify and adapt the provision of oral health care to meet the needs of patients who have PD.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system resulting from the decreased availability of the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical that transmits messages to the cerebrum to control movement and coordination. To facilitate patient-centered care for individuals diagnosed with PD, dental professionals must be aware of the variations of the disease, common signs, and treatments to modify the course of disease and manage symptoms. The course will provide an overview of the disease, describe drug and non-drug treatments commonly used to treat PD, and present ways for dental professionals to modify and adapt the provision of oral health care to meet the needs of patients who have PD.