Toothpaste Truths: What Every Dental Professional Needs to Know

This CE course provides dental professionals with a comprehensive understanding of toothpaste, including its ingredients, indications, mechanisms of action, and current evidence-based recommendations.

This continuing education course explores the science, composition, and clinical implications of toothpaste formulations. Dental professionals will gain a deeper understanding of active and inactive ingredients, including fluoride and its alternatives, abrasives, humectants, surfactants, and desensitizing agents. The course will also address the latest evidence on whitening, sensitivity, natural and DIY products, and how to guide patient recommendations based on individual oral health needs.

Learning Objectives
After this course, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe the key components and functions of common toothpaste ingredients, including abrasives, humectants, detergents, and therapeutic agents.
2. Explain the role of fluoride and alternative active ingredients (e.g., nanohydroxyapatite and xylitol) in caries prevention and enamel remineralization.
3. Identify different toothpaste formulations tailored for specific oral health needs, such as sensitivity, whitening, gingivitis, erosion, and dry mouth.
4. Interpret toothpaste labeling and ingredient lists to make evidence-based product recommendations for diverse patient populations.
5. Analyze the safety and effectiveness of trending or alternative toothpaste products, including natural and DIY formulations, using current scientific literature.
6. Apply patient-centered communication strategies when educating patients about toothpaste selection and use based on individual oral health status.

Member Cost includes San Mateo County & Mid-Peninsula Dental Societies.