In this eye-opening episode, Melissa and Tabitha dive into one of the most critical yet overlooked connections in healthcare: the link between oral health and cardiovascular disease. With heart disease remaining the #1 cause of death worldwide, they explore how chronic inflammation—particularly from periodontal pathogens—can silently drive heart attacks and strokes.

They break down the Bale-Doneen Method, which challenges traditional cardiac screening by shifting the focus from cholesterol to inflammation and bacterial invasion as the true culprits of heart disease. They also discuss how salivary diagnostics can revolutionize dental care, helping professionals identify high-risk patients before a cardiac event occurs.

Key Takeaways Include:

✅ How oral pathogens like P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum trigger arterial plaque formation.

✅ These are the biomarkers every dental professional should be testing for.

✅ Why standard cholesterol tests miss half of at-risk patients.

✅ Practical steps to integrate salivary testing and physician collaboration into daily practice.

With Heart Health Month as the backdrop, this episode is a call to action for dental professionals worldwide: We’re not just treating gum disease—we’re saving lives.

💡 Have you seen the perio-heart connection in your practice? Let’s talk! Tag us, DM us, and join the conversation.

#OralSystemicHealth #HeartHealthMonth #SalivaryTesting #PreventiveDentistry #PerioAndHeartDisease

Disrupting Dentistry Podcast – Season 4, Episode 1: Relaunching After a Year of Change

Hosts: Tabitha Acret & Melissa Obrotka

Release Date: January 16, 2025

Show Notes:

After taking a year off to adapt, reflect, and grow, the Disrupting Dentistry Podcast is back with a brand-new season! In this exciting Season 4 premiere, hosts Tabitha Acret and Melissa Obrotka, two leading experts in the world of dental hygiene, share what they've been up to in 2024 and what they're looking forward to in 2025.

In this episode:

• Reflecting on 2024: Tabitha and Melissa share their personal and professional journey, discussing the changes they've navigated over the past year, how they've adapted to the evolving landscape of dental care and the lessons they've learned.
• Exciting Changes in Dentistry: In season four, this duo will explore the latest trends, innovations, and technologies shaping the future of dentistry, from new tools and techniques in dental hygiene to the evolving dental patient and so much more!

Looking Ahead to 2025: With fresh energy and renewed focus, Tabitha and Melissa discuss their big goals for 2025. They give a sneak peek into some of the upcoming episodes, expert interviews, and new initiatives, including the oral microbiome, periodontal endoscopes, fluoride and so much more!

We want to hear from you!

We also encourage you to share your thoughts, feedback, and ideas for future episodes. Your voice matters to us!

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @disruptingdentistrypodcast
• Visit our website for more episodes and resources: www.disruptingdentistry.libsyn.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast!

Welcome to the first episode of season 4!!!!

On this installment Tabitha talks to Tanya Deacon a dental hygienist in Newcastle Australia on her journey from thought to action. Here about how to take an idea and action it into a finished product!

Well done Tanya!