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
Xerostomia is no longer a niche complaint, it is an increasingly common clinical condition driven by modern medicine. As polypharmacy rises and patients live longer with complex medical histories, dental professionals are encountering dry mouth at unprecedented rates. Yet, xerostomia remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, and often misunderstood in its true clinical significance.
The Saliva Shortage Crisis: The Unspoken Threat Behind Modern Medicine explores the evolving landscape of xerostomia, unpacking its prevalence, primary drivers, and far-reaching consequences. This course will examine how reduced salivary flow disrupts the oral ecosystem, accelerating caries, periodontal inflammation, mucosal disease, and patient discomfort while also contributing to systemic complications through impaired digestion, altered microbiome balance, and increased inflammatory burden. Let’s gain a deeper understanding of how medications, systemic conditions, and lifestyle factors contribute to salivary dysfunction. More importantly, this webinar equips clinicians with practical, evidence-based strategies to identify, manage, and support patients experiencing xerostomia. From salivary stimulation and remineralization protocols to advanced therapeutic interventions, attendees will leave empowered to proactively address one of the most overlooked yet impactful conditions in modern dental practice.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the prevalence, causes, and clinical presentations of xerostomia within the context of modern medical and pharmacologic trends.
- Evaluate the impact of reduced salivary flow on oral and systemic health, including its role in caries risk, periodontal inflammation, and overall patient well-being.
- Implement evidence-based strategies and therapeutic interventions to effectively manage xerostomia and improve patient outcomes.
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:




