Lunch & Learn | Engaging with patients who live with dry mouth
Lunchtime sessions Program
Friday 3rd May
12:10 PM - 1:40 PM
COMBINED Rooms R2/R3/R4

Many chronic conditions can cause a dry mouth. Dental professionals generally perform procedures that give immediate and long-term relief of symptoms. Chronic disease can be challenging for both the patient and the dental professional.  This presentation will explore the patient’s journey to diagnosis, their interactions with healthcare professionals, the impact of dry mouth on their health and the management of the disease spectrum.

Learning Outcomes:

• To have an awareness and acknowledge patient symptoms as they seek to “name the disease”

• To have skills that provide patients with chronic dry mouth with accessible and empathic care

• Be able to assist these patients manage the spectrum of dry mouth complications  

• Be informed on what products and home care habits will assist these individuals enhance their oral and overall health          

Caring for a patient with a dry mouth
Main Scientific Program
Friday 3rd May
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
COMBINED E

Dry mouth is a common condition that impacts negatively on oral health and quality of life. The presentation varies and may only be apparent when irreversible damage to oral tissues has occurred. There are many causes of dry mouth (salivary hypofunction), including medical disorders and the effects of drugs. Some of these medical disorders, in particular, Sjogren’s syndrome, are associated with other orofacial and systemic complications. 

Learning Outcomes:

• The various presentations of dry mouth
• The underlying causes of dry mouth
• Investigations of dry mouth 
• The management of dry mouth     

Dry Mouth - implications in dental practise
Dental Hygienists & Therapists Program
Friday 3rd May
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
HALL A

Saliva is essential to oral health. Patients who have chronic salivary hypofunction suffer a variety of unpleasant symptoms and oral tissue damage and may not realise they suffer from salivary hypofunction. This presentation focuses on active detection of dry mouth and empowering patients to manage the condition and avoid the secondary complications through good preventative care.  

Learning Outcomes:

• To recognize the various signs of dry mouth 

• To develop a greater confidence and intention to manage patients with chronic dry mouth 

• To develop a personalized management plan for patients with dry mouth that may differ from patients with adequate saliva  

• Supporting patients in their preventative care and oral hygiene routine