Oral Health Matters

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers is joined by Dr. Tonya Cook and Dr. Rebecca Bernstein to explore the connection between substance use and oral health. They break down how substances like tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine impact the mouth, often accelerating decay through reduced saliva and other side effects—and discuss additional risks tied to stimulants, opioids, and other drugs. The conversation also highlights the broader challenges patients face, including disrupted self-care, stigma, and limited access to dental services, while emphasizing that integrating oral health into treatment can support better outcomes like employment and long-term recovery. The episode concludes with practical strategies providers can use to help mitigate damage, from fluoride treatments to simple daily habits. Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers is joined by Erinne Kennedy, DMD, MPH, MMSc, Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Integrated Learning at the Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine, for an in-depth discussion on antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry and why the guidelines continue to evolve. The conversation explores how new evidence has reshaped recommendations by more clearly weighing risks versus benefits, and why antibiotic prophylaxis is now reserved for specific patient populations, including those with certain prosthetic joints, high-risk cardiovascular conditions, and immunocompromising conditions. Dr. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of avoiding antibiotics unless they are truly indicated and introduces the concept of “living guidelines” that are regularly updated as new data emerges. The episode also addresses broader issues of antibiotic resistance, key considerations when treating cardiovascular patients, and the removal of clindamycin from recommended use due to its elevated risk of C. difficile infection. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Kennedy shares practical strategies to help dental professionals implement effective antibiotic stewardship and make evidence-based decisions in everyday practice. Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers welcomes Dr. John Ahern, Director of Medical Dental Integration at Cambridge Health Alliance, for a thoughtful conversation about bridging the gap between oral and medical health. Dr. Ahern shares his journey from Ireland to Boston and reflects on a decade of advancing integrated care in one of the country’s most diverse communities. Together, they explore practical strategies for embedding dental care into medical settings, from strengthening collaboration with primary care teams to equipping non-dental providers with the tools they need to address oral health confidently. Dr. Ahern discusses the importance of shared electronic health records, culturally responsive programs, and population-specific approaches that truly meet patients where they are. He also provides an optimistic look at the next five years, and the growing momentum behind more unified, equitable, and patient-centered medical-dental integration. Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.

In the inaugural episode of Oral Health Matters, host Dr. Karlynn Sievers welcomes Dr. Denise Rizzolo and Dr. Thomas Chiodo for a deep dive into dental pain, trauma, and emergencies. They explore why dental injuries are especially common in children, the most frequent reasons patients seek emergency dental care, and how to respond when accidents happen. Dr. Chiodo breaks down the differences between avulsion, luxation, and subluxation injuries, while the guests stress the critical importance of quick action—particularly when it comes to repositioning displaced teeth. The conversation also highlights prevention strategies, from the use of mouthguards to safe practices with oral piercings, and closes with a reminder that routine dental care is the best defense against severe issues. Oral Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.