879: Katrina Sanders Asks: Are You Smarter Than a Periodontist? – Katrina Sanders

Hygienists and periodontists have different roles in a practice. But that doesn't mean hygienists aren't as smart! In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt shares their recent Master Class by Katrina Sanders, The Dental WINEgenist, to test your knowledge and skills in diagnosing various cases. Are you smarter than a periodontist? To find out, listen to Episode 879 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Katrina:

• Give Katrina a call: (612) 345-1150
• Send Katrina an email: info@katrinasanders.com 
• Join Katrina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDentalWINEgenist
• Follow Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist
• Learn more on Katrina’s website: https://katrinasanders.com
• Register for Katrina’s Oral-Systemic Myth course (August 1, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-oral-systemic-myth-august-1-2025-tickets-1267455015069

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• See the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/event
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 879: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

• Periodontal disease has been on the rise in recent decades.
• Understand and master each segment of the ADPIE process of care.
• Become a partner with patients in preventing and managing inflammation.
• Hygienists play a critical role in reducing the number of adults with periodontitis.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:22 Katrina’s background and upcoming course.

6:47 The prevalence of periodontitis.

10:44 The current landscape of periodontitis.

15:50 Be a partner in prevention and inflammation management.

17:33 More about Katrina.

18:30 Course objectives.

20:39 ADPIE: The steps in the dental process of care.

22:47 The assessment phase.

25:59 Fear Factor: Perio charting.

33:49 Hands-free perio charting software.

38:36 How much pain are we causing for patients?

41:16 Early stages of disease are not seen radiographically.

42:25 Gathering an appropriate diagnosis.

44:33 Stages of periodontal disease.

50:33 Grades of periodontal disease.

56:27 Strategies for patient communication.

56:43 Family Feud: Why patients decline perio treatment.

1:00:08 The importance of patient communication.

1:01:45 Survivor: Implementation.

1:10:09 The Newlywed Game: How well do you know your patients?

1:17:06 Are you smarter than a periodontist: What do you know about Perio Tray therapy?

1:23:45 Why are periodontists opposed to Perio Protect?

1:24:56 Perio Protect, explained.

1:32:33 Are you smarter than a periodontist: Diagnosing case examples.

1:39:32 Are you REALLY smarter than a periodontist: Diagnosing case examples.

1:53:47 Perio Protect for diabetic cases.

1:55:03 Case example: Two months of Perio Protect therapy for a diabetic patient.

1:57:20 Case example: Type 2 diabetic.

2:00:53 Conclusion.

2:03:24 Q&A: If the grading can be modified, how about the staging?

Katrina M. Sanders RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF Bio:

In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.

With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.

Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.