RECE2026

The Oral Microbiome: A Powerful Driver of Health and Disease 

Friday, October 2nd, 2026

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Credits: 3

Audience: Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Administrative Staff, Lab Techs, Dental Students

Teaching Methods: Lecture

Prerequisites: No prior level of skill, knowledge, or experience is required for participation in this course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: What we eat profoundly impacts our oral health, including the risk of dental caries, dental erosion, and periodontal disease.  Compelling and emerging research also shows a strong link between the health of the oral microbiome and our risk of disease, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, dementia, depression, arthritis, and more.  This science-backed, insightful, and engaging presentation is about the importance of consuming a less processed, anti-inflammatory diet to optimize oral health, as well as overall health.  It also covers the harm caused by sugary drinks, around-the-clock snacking, and ultra-processed foods.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

Participants will be able to:

  • Understand how profoundly oral microbiome health impacts dental health and overall health (heart health, brain health, liver health, & more).
  • List specific foods and drinks that are most harmful and most protective to oral health
  • Describe updated guidelines for sugar intake and sugar alternatives, including stevia, xylitol, and erythritol
    • Describe the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet for optimizing oral health, including periodontal health
    Liz Pearson

    SPEAKER: Liz Pearson

    Liz Pearson is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for peanut butter sandwiches and an undying love for chocolate.  She delivers engaging, science-based nutrition information to health professionals, educators, and corporations across North America and is highly respected in the dental field.  Liz is also the author of four books, including two award-winning bestsellers.  Her most recent book is called “Broccoli, Love & Dark Chocolate… Because food, love, and life should be delicious!”.  (Liz’s website:  www.lizpearson.com)

    FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Liz has received previous honorarium support from BioGaia.

    ADA CERP: Continuing Education Recoignition Program
    ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. The Oregon Dental Association designates each activity with the noted CE credits. Please refer to the description of each activity for the number of CE credits. The ODA continuing education activities have been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP). Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ADA.org/CERP.