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Creaky Joints and Bleeding Gums: The Interactions between Periodontal Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

COURSE NUMBER: 519

Credit Hours:

1 Hour(s)

This course will review the current scientific evidence about the association between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease and to aid in the clinical decision making to care for patients with RA in a dental setting.


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Overview

This course will review the current scientific evidence about the association between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease and to aid in the clinical decision making to care for patients with RA in a dental setting.


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory mediated arthritis that leads to joint damage and significant societal burden related to patient discomfort and treatment costs.1-5 Several studies have indicated patients with RA have an increased prevalence of periodontal disease than those without RA or with other forms of arthritis.2-6 Current understanding of the pathogenesis of RA lacks a clear picture of the autoantibody response and what stimulates it, particularly specific serum antibodies directed to citrullinated peptides, which are associated with smoking, disease severity, and periodontal disease (Figure 1). Previously, RA was thought to influence periodontal disease progress through a decrease in dexterity that led to an increase in etiologic factors secondary to poor oral hygiene, but despite similar levels of joint dysfunction, patients with RA demonstrate approximately three times higher rates of periodontitis than patients with osteoarthritis (OA).5,7 This suggests a potential underlying biologic mechanism of interaction between these two diseases.

  • Intended Audience:

    Dental Assistants, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Hygienists, Dental Students, Dentists, Dental Assistant Students

  • Date Course Online:

    Jan 24, 2017

  • Last Revision Date:

    Dec 31, 2000

  • Course Expiration Date:

    Jan 23, 2020

  • Cost:

    Free

  • Method:

    Self-instructional

  • AGD Subject Code(s):

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:


  • Understand the current scientific literature about the association between periodontal health and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and discuss the interactions between these two conditions with patients.
  • Be an active participant in an interdisciplinary team of health care providers treating patients with RA and periodontal disease.
  • Evaluate patients’ risk factors and oral home care practices based upon individualized patient needs and severity of RA disease markers.
  • Understand the risks and benefits regarding routine, elective, and emergent dental care in patients with RA.
  • Discuss with patients the common risk factors associated with periodontitis and RA and be familiar with strategies to treat those risk factors.
  • Discuss with interdisciplinary colleagues the importance of and effective methods for treatment of periodontal disease in patients with RA.

Disclaimers

Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice. Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy. Note:  Registration is required to take test.

Author(s)

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

  • Dr. Garner reports no conflicts of interest associated with this course.
  • Dr. Geisinger has been or is currently a co-investigator and/or principal investigator on research funded entirely or in part by The Procter & Gamble Company. All funds were used for research endeavors and not for personal gain. Dr. Geisinger has not accepted any payment from dentalcare.com for participation in this continuing education course.

Submission Information

Recognition

AGD Pace Logo

Approved PACE Program Provider

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY


Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.

Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.


8/1/2021 to 7/31/2027

Provider ID# 211886