Six steps to integrate oral microbiome care into your dental practice

There is no better way to ground that transition than by seeing what it looks like in practice. In this conversation, Dr. Doug Thompson is joined by Chelsea Kiser, RDH, who works alongside him at Integrative Oral Medicine. Her perspective is key because hygienists often spend the most time with patients, gathering important information and explaining how oral health connects to the whole body. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at a dental practice that puts the oral microbiome at the centre of care. 

This is not a theoretical conversation. It is a glimpse into a working clinic that is already leading the way, and offers inspiration for creating a practice model you can work towards yourself.

Watch the conversation, then continue below to break down the tools, therapies, and team roles that make this shift possible.

"Be curious about how much your patients know about their oral microbiome and systemic health. Our job is to make sure they leave our practice knowing what it takes to stay healthy. Everyone wants their healthspan to match their lifespan, and dentists are key in helping people stay healthy for life."

Integrating oral microbiome care: A step-by-step guide

Shifting your dental practice to a microbiome-centred approach is a journey of continuous improvement, not an overnight change. It starts with a commitment, followed by a methodical implementation of key strategies. Here's how to integrate oral microbiome care into your practice:

1. Commit to adopting a microbiome-centred approach

• The essential first step is for the dental professional to fully embrace a microbiome-centred approach.
• Make sure your colleagues are on board and understand the opportunities and benefits of this type of care. 

2. Cultivate a "visual culture"

• Use graphics and educational materials throughout your dental office to communicate a focus on systemic health. This creates a welcoming environment for patient questions about overall well-being.

3. Make sure oral hygienists work as primary communicators

• Hygienists are crucial communicators who spend the most time with patients.
• They should initiate discussions about biofilm management and disease status, particularly periodontal health, before dentist confirmation.

4. Get a full picture of each patient

• Start every patient visit with detailed medical questionnaires to identify systemic connections.
• Recognise early signs of disease using tools like diligent periodontal probing.

5. Provide in-depth patient education

• Create "learning labs", dedicated spaces with educational materials for focused oral hygiene instruction.
• Schedule dedicated appointments for oral hygiene education, ensuring patients have time to grasp and practice proper home care techniques.

6. Collaborate with other medical professionals

• Proactively reach out to local physicians and specialists to exchange data.
• Share pre- and post-treatment saliva test results with medical doctors to encourage them to send more patients your way.
• Join healthcare networks to ensure holistic patient care.