Live Webinar | October 13, 2026
Don’t Just Desensitize: Diagnose, Treat, and Prevent Dentin Hypersensitivity
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- 8:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM CST
- Pamela Maragliano, DMD
- Supported by Haleon
- 1 hour
- 1 credit
- Free
Summary
Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most common and sometimes most frustrating conditions encountered in everyday dental practice. While patients may simply report that their teeth are “sensitive,” determining why they hurt and selecting the appropriate treatment requires a deeper understanding of dentin physiology, differential diagnosis, contributing risk factors, and the wide range of available therapies. This course takes a modern, evidence-based look at dentin hypersensitivity, from the hydrodynamic theory and mechanisms of pain to the clinical factors that expose and open dentinal tubules. Participants will explore how erosion, abrasion, recession, periodontal therapy, whitening, restorative procedures, and patient habits can contribute to sensitivity, as well as how to distinguish dentin hypersensitivity from other sources of dental pain. The course will review in-office and at-home treatment strategies, including desensitizing agents, fluoride therapies, bioactive materials, dentifrices, bonding agents, and other emerging technologies. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for identifying the cause of sensitivity, selecting appropriate interventions, and helping patients achieve meaningful and lasting relief.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the etiology and mechanisms of dentin hypersensitivity, including the hydrodynamic theory and the role of exposed dentinal tubules.
- Differentiate dentin hypersensitivity from other sources of dental pain through appropriate history-taking, clinical examination, and differential diagnosis.
- Identify patient-specific risk factors and behaviors that contribute to dentin exposure and hypersensitivity, including erosion, abrasion, recession, periodontal therapy, and whitening.
- Compare current in-office and at-home treatment options and select appropriate therapies based on mechanism of action and clinical presentation.
- Develop an individualized strategy to manage and prevent recurrent sensitivity by addressing both symptoms and underlying causes.
Presented by
Pamela Maragliano, DMD
Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics.
Supported in part through an unrestricted educational grant by:
CE credit(s): 1 credit
Course Type: Live Webinar
Published Date: October 13, 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 credit 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:
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: 610/670
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-591-6-2026-1
