JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAOM, FADHA, is the director of education, research, and advocacy for the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and professor emerita of the Department of Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University in Pocatello. She is also a member of the Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Editorial Advisory Board.
An increased risk for oral pathologies in this population means that clinicians must take a proactive approach to help these patients maintain optimum oral health.