College of Dental Medicine (CDM) students Jiawei Liu, DMD ’25, and Barbara Clyburn, DMD ’24 received national recognition from the National AHEC Organization in 2023 for their project entitled, Periodontal Disease and Periodontal Health in the Oral Cavity. The project focused on patient education resources composed of a website and multiple infographics that support a patient’s understanding of periodontal diseases.
Assisting and practicing in the dental clinic at WesternU allows student dentists, dental hygienists, faculty dentists, and clinic administrators to closely observe the health needs of patients and their periodontal needs. Many patients express concerns about bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or changes in their oral health during their initial dental appointment and follow-up periodic examination appointment. This feedback provided valuable insights into the patient’s perception of their periodontal health and helped identify the need for easily accessible patient education materials, leading to the project.
Jiawei Liu commented, “Educating patients about periodontal diseases, their risk factors, and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential for preventing and managing these conditions and empower individuals to take control of their oral health and prevent the potential consequences of periodontal diseases.”
The team considered the social determinants of health (SDOH) to be the social and physical conditions and factors shaping individuals’ health outcomes. They identified factors associated with a higher prevalence of periodontal diseases. These factors include, but are not limited to, limited financial resources and barriers to accessing routine dental care, including preventive services and treatment for periodontal conditions.
Jiawei Liu explains, “Understanding the social determinants of health related to periodontal health allows dental professionals to tailor their education efforts to address specific barriers and challenges faced by individuals and communities. One key lesson is the significance of tailoring educational materials and approaches to the specific target audience. Recognizing the diversity within the community and understanding their needs, beliefs, and preferences is vital.”
The periodontal health patient education project aims to make a tangible impact on the community’s periodontal health by increasing knowledge and promoting the adoption of proper oral hygiene practices. The website provided a centralized platform for patients to access educational materials at their convenience including infographics created by student doctors Jiawei Liu and Barbara Clyburn. By providing easily understandable visuals, patients are better equipped to discuss their concerns and treatment options with their dental providers. This facilitated more meaningful and collaborative discussions during dental visits.
Click here to view the Periodontal Disease and Periodontal Health in Oral Cavity website.
Above: Infographic on the periodontal health patient education project website.