Date: September 1, 2026 | 7:00 PM CST/8:00 PM EST
Duration: 1 Hour
Credits: 1
Presenter: Katrina Sanders, RDH
Sponsor: Hager Worldwide
Cost: Free
For decades, the prophylaxis appointment has been viewed as a routine “cleaning,” a perception that undervalues the clinical expertise of dental hygienists and overlooks the complexity of biofilm-driven disease. As our understanding of the oral microbiome, oral-systemic health, and patient-centered prevention continues to evolve, so too must the hygiene appointment.
This course challenges participants to rethink the traditional prophylaxis by shifting from a procedure-focused model to a comprehensive, evidence-based approach centered on risk assessment, biofilm management, and personalized preventive care. Attendees will explore strategies for enhancing every phase of the hygiene visit, from comprehensive assessments and patient visualization techniques to whole-mouth biofilm reduction and individualized home care recommendations. Special emphasis will be placed on addressing often-overlooked biofilm reservoirs, including the tongue, and incorporating practical innovations that improve both clinical outcomes and the patient experience.
Through current evidence, clinical workflows, and immediately applicable techniques, participants will discover how to transform the prophylaxis from a routine insurance benefit into a high-value preventive healthcare encounter. By practicing at the top of their education and training, dental hygienists can strengthen patient trust, improve long-term oral health outcomes, and redefine their role as indispensable clinicians leading the future of preventive dentistry.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate current prophylaxis workflows using evidence-based principles to identify opportunities for more comprehensive biofilm management and individualized patient care.
- Integrate clinical assessment findings, risk-based prevention strategies, and whole-mouth biofilm reduction techniques into a modern prophylaxis protocol that extends beyond traditional tooth-centered care.
- Apply practical technologies, patient communication strategies, and workflow enhancements to elevate the patient experience while improving clinical outcomes and reinforcing the dental hygienist’s role as a preventive healthcare provider.
About the Presenter

Katrina M. Sanders, MEd, BSDH, RDH, RF, is a clinical dental hygienist, author, and international speaker. She is a periodontal hygienist and serves as the clinical liaison to Hygiene Excellence and Innovation for AZPerio. Known as the “Dental Resultant,” Katrina consults hygiene departments to optimize metrics and patient excellence. She is the founder, CEO, and keynote speaker for Sanders Board Preparatory, a published author with Dentaltown and Today’s RDH, a columnist and advisory board member for Modern Hygienist and Dental Academy of Continuing Education, and brand ambassador for Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.
Supported in part through an unrestricted educational grant by:




