Frank A. Scannapieco is SUNY Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo. He holds the BS in Biology from the University of Connecticut, MS in Biology from Northeastern University, DMD from the University of Connecticut, and Certificate in Periodontology and PhD in Oral Biology, both from the University at Buffalo.  He is Associate Editor of the Journal of Periodontology, and Scientific Reports, has edited three issues of Dental Clinics of North America, and has served on the editorial boards of multiple basic science and clinical journals, and as a referee for many medical, dental and scientific journals. He practices periodontics, and is an active educator and mentor for graduate and dental students.  His research focuses on oral microbiology, molecular mechanisms of oral bacterial colonization, and the interface between oral and systemic health, especially the role of oral conditions in the process of respiratory infection

Recent literature suggests that microbes and/or inflammation contributes to many chronic diseases. Thus, oral inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis have been associated with a variety of chronic disease and conditions.  This course will provide a summary of present knowledge about the connections between oral diseases, such as periodontitis, and a variety of systemic diseases and conditions such as atherosclerosis, respiratory infections, diabetes, and cognitive impairment.  The potential etiology of these connections will be discussed, as well as methods for prevention. Several case studies will be presented to illustrate these connections.

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the history and literature that connects poor oral health with chronic disease.
2. Understand biological mechanisms that may explain how poor oral health impacts on chronic disease risk.
3. Describe oral interventions that may reduce the risk for chronic disease.

The Office of Continuing Education reserves the right to end registration when an enrollment limit is reached and to cancel, modify, or alter content or faculty for any course if circumstances indicate the need for such a change. If the school finds it necessary to cancel a course, a full refund will be granted. All attempts to contact registrants will be made as soon as possible in the event of a course cancellation. The school will not be held responsible for any losses due to travel arrangements made by the registrant.

In the event of inclement weather (such as a snow emergency) or other extenuating circumstances, the Office of Continuing Education may be forced to cancel a course. If a course has been canceled, we will contact participants by the email address provided. You may call or email our office on the day of the course if you are uncertain of a course’s status.

Refund Policy for Continuing Education

A refund or credit will be issued (less a $50 admin fee) if received no later than three weeks prior to the course date. Refunds or tuition credit will not be given after that time or to no-shows. This does not apply to the local anesthesia course.