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Panel Discussion

Oral Systemic Health

(5113) The Oral Microbiome- the Mouth and Beyond

Thursday, October 8, 2026
3:30pm - 5:00pm ET
CE: 1.5
Disclosure(s):
Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, MS: No financial relationships to disclose
Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila, DDS, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Nisha D'Silva, BDS, MSD, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Hatice Hasturk, DDS, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
The oral microbiome is increasingly recognized as a dynamic ecosystem that extends beyond traditional concepts of plaque and periodontal pathogens. This session explores the evolving science of oral microbial communities, including established bacterial contributors to caries, periodontitis and oral cancer, as well as emerging insights into the oral virome and its interactions with host immune responses. Presenters will examine evidence linking shifts in oral microbial composition to local disease processes and to systemic conditions, highlighting the complex interplay among bacteria, viruses and the host. The discussion will also consider how these findings may influence preventive strategies, therapeutic innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in patient-care.

Learning Objectives:

  • Be familiar with the complexity of the human oral microbiome and its relationship to health and disease.
  • Understand the concept of dysbiosis and its role in dental caries and periodontal disease.
  • Understand the therapeutic implications and interventions that apply our current understanding of the oral microbiome (e.g. cancer, caries, periodontal disease).