The American Academy of Periodontology Seeks to Engage Dental Hygienists

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) launched a multi-year initiative aimed at educating dental hygienists on periodontal topics at its 109th Annual Meeting in Austin. As part of the initiative, the AAP hosted a Dental Hygiene Symposium to provide an overview of topics related to successful periodontal patient management. The Dental Hygiene Engagement Initiative includes member-led dental hygiene study clubs, a dental hygiene recognition program, a hygiene learning library, and collaborative efforts such as joint conferences, webinars, article series, and social media activities. The initiative is designed to enhance dental hygienists’ knowledge of periodontics and strengthen the local network of periodontists. Wayne Aldredge, DMD, who headed the Task Force on Dental Hygiene Engagement, noted that the initiative aims to deliver high-quality, evidence-based information to hygienists, enhance periodontal care, and facilitate co-management of patients. AAP members will also benefit from the initiative, particularly through the turnkey study club, which will enable them to share clinical expertise and mentor their local dental hygiene community. Click here to read more.