Learning Objectives:

• Integrate Functional Medicine Principles: Describe the core principles of functional medicine and differentiate them from conventional approaches, applying these concepts to dental hygiene to address systemic health issues.
• Adopt a Coaching Approach: Differentiate between the "expert" and "coach" approaches in patient interactions, practicing foundational coaching skills that build rapport and foster positive behavior change.
• Assess Patient Readiness for Change: Identify a patient's readiness for lifestyle changes and apply appropriate coaching techniques to guide them toward healthier habits, including setting and achieving SMART goals.
• Enhance Digestion and Immune Function: Explain the connection between digestion, immune function, and oral health, and co-create lifestyle plans with patients that support these critical systems.
• Optimize Hormonal Health: Recognize the role of hormonal balance in overall health and how it impacts oral health, applying strategies to help patients optimize hormone function through lifestyle modifications.
• Promote Energy and Resiliency: Describe the role of mitochondrial health in energy production and resilience, helping patients develop personalized plans to enhance their vitality and manage stress.

Are you ready to elevate your dental hygiene practice by addressing not just oral health, but the systemic root causes of your patients' health issues? "Beyond the Mouth" is a transformative course designed to integrate the principles of functional medicine into dental hygiene. By adopting a holistic approach, you'll learn to address the underlying systemic factors that contribute to oral health issues, moving beyond the traditional focus on inflammation.
This course will empower you with foundational coaching skills to build rapport with patients, guiding them toward positive lifestyle changes that improve both their oral and overall health. You’ll explore the connections between digestion, immune function, and hormonal balance, and understand how these systems influence oral health. Additionally, the course will provide strategies to optimize energy production, enhance resiliency, and address environmental and emotional factors that impact patient well-being.
Through collaborative care and a deeper understanding of functional medicine, you'll be equipped to create comprehensive treatment plans that benefit your patients' entire health journey. This course is ideal for dental professionals looking to expand their practice and deliver more impactful, patient-centered care.