Dental CE Course: Diabetes Mellitus: A Link to Periodontal Disease

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease of metabolism, poses a significant public health challenge in the United States. This course discusses the pathophysiologic link between diabetes and periodontal disease. It describes and differentiates between the classic signs and symptoms associated with these two types, lists the most common oral manifestations, and discusses xerostomia and other oral infections. The course includes the principles of treatment and dental care of the diabetic patient, special considerations for surgical procedures, emergency management, and the use of antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids.