"Orofacial Manifestations of Systemic Disease"   

 Instructor:  Mahnaz Fatahzadeh, D.M.D., M.S.D.

Oral cavity is readily accessible for inspection and a gateway for assessment of general health. In fact, many systemic conditions affecting organs far from head and neck region could manifest in the orofacial region, sometimes prior to their diagnosis. Abnormalities detected in the orofacial region may also represent complications related to medical therapy or raise concern about substance abuse. This program provides illustrative examples of orofacial findings associated with diagnosed or subjectively silent systemic disease, medical therapy and substance abuse. Relevant signs, symptoms, and diagnostics are reviewed and the potential role of an oral health care provider in recognition, referral, follow-up, and overall management is emphasized.

 Learning Objectives:  In this program, participants will learn about:

•  Systemic conditions with orofacial manifestations such as hereditary, hematologic, infectious, endocrinopathic, immune-mediated, dermatologic, granulomatous, cardiovascular, pulmonary and metastatic conditions.
• Diagnostic evaluation of patients with oral signs and symptoms of systemic disease.
• Orofacial findings associated with medical therapy such as osteonecrosis of the jaw, osteoradionecrosis, mucositis, xerostomia, oral pigmentation, gingival hyperplasia, etc.
• Detrimental effects of substance abuse in the orofacial region.
• Potential impact of these manifestations on oral care, prevention and appropriate management of dental complications.
• Follow-up regimen and documentation process.