This article will highlight the oral disease risk factors present in patients with Graves’ disease and help restructure the dental management for these patients. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting thyroid function and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, which is the overproduction of thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease positively correlates with periodontitis and can also cause a greater susceptibility to dental caries, osteoporosis of the maxilla and mandible, burning mouth syndrome, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Collaboration between dental professionals and endocrinologists is needed to ensure optimal oral and systemic health for patients with Graves’ disease and to accelerate the prevention and detection of the associated oral diseases. Dental professionals should be aware of the symptoms of Graves’ disease and adverse reactions to treatment options. A shorter dental recall interval for patients with Graves’ disease is beneficial for preventing and arresting multiple dental diseases.
Educational objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the definition, etiology, symptoms, and treatment for Graves’ disease
- Identify the clinical oral manifestations of patients with Graves’ disease
- Define systemic, oral, and mental health implications for patients with Graves’ disease
- Define recommended treatment and recare intervals for patients with Graves’ disease
About the authors
Jayci Jones, RDH, is a graduate of Collin College. She is passionate about the dental management of Graves’ disease because she has lived with the symptoms of the disease for two years. Jayci is motivated to research the oral effects of autoimmune diseases for the benefit of her clinical patients and herself. She was the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler recipient of her class and hopes to work in periodontal and community clinics to educate patients on the impact of oral-systemic health.
Lindsey Cunningham, RDH, is an honors graduate from the Collin College dental hygiene program in the Dallas, Texas, area. She is passionate about community dentistry, periodontics, and the oral-systemic link. After being diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 2018, Lindsey’s passion for learning more about the etiology of the disease grew exponentially. Her goal is to spread awareness to hygienists to help other patients who are living with Graves’ disease.
Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC, is a full-time dental hygiene educator in Texas. She is the owner of Inspired Education & Wellness, where she is a speaker, writer, and private practice therapist. She combines her clinical dental and mental health experience to help other health-care professionals have a fulfilling work-life experience. Kandice is an approved provider for human trafficking training for health-care professionals. Contact Kandice at kandiceswarthout. com or on social media @thecounselorhygienist.
Photo credit: ID 135159555 © Kateryna Kon | Dreamstime.com
Quick Access Code: 22140
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
CE credit(s): 3
Course Type: Written
Published Date: October 2023
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is $39.00 for 3 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Dental Board of California: Provider RP5933. Course registration number CA code: 03-5933-22140. Expires September 2026. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.”
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2022 to 10/31/2024.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 750
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPNW (January 1, 2022–December 31, 2024). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code: AADHEBM-119-10-2023-3
Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.
