The Saliva Shortage Crisis: The Unspoken Threat Behind Modern Medicine

FREE WEBINAR | September 8, 2026 | This course explores the growing prevalence and clinical impact of xerostomia, helping dental professionals understand its causes, recognize its oral and systemic consequences, and apply evidence-based strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and management. (1 credit)

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:

Not Enrolled

Course Includes

  • 1 Lesson
  • Course Certificate
  • CE credit(s): 1

    Course Type: Live Webinar

    Published Date: September 8, 2026

    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 1 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 Free for 1 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: AADHEBM-672-8-2026-1. Expires September 7, 2027. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 1 units of continuing education.”

    PACE

    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.
    11/1/2024 to 10/31/2028.
    Provider ID# 320452
    AGD code: 730

    AADH

    Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHEBM (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026). 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 – 670-9-2026-1

    Endeavor

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