Course Description

Emerging from an unprecedented year in a global pandemic, the challenges forced on the dental team has strengthened our resolve to adapt new protocols going forward.  As we forge through this year, our management of disease transmission and oral disease prevention will be tested as a result of what we have learned and need to learn applying the revised periodontal classification system.

In 2018, the American Academy of Periodontology published new guidelines entitled: “Three Steps to Staging and Grading a Patient” and “Staging and Grading Periodontitis.” This program will review the steps in implementing the new guidelines, patient screening, diagnosis, treatment planning and appropriate therapies. Achieving successful outcomes is contingent on optimal instrumentation skills in compliance with the dental setting of 2021.

  • Identify and implement a proper periodontal diagnosis using the updated Staging and Grading system to classify all dental patients.

  • Differentiate between natural and implant structures with attention to examination, debridement and home care aids.

  • Choose proper instrumentation with consideration to safe protocols and sound clinical judgement.

  • Improve ergonomics with focus on extra-oral fulcrums, sharpening and selecting advanced hand and power instruments.

  • Discuss and recommend evidence-based products with an individualized approach in the prevention of all oral diseases.

  • Applying this AAP Classification of Staging and Grading, small groups will review case studies to develop appropriate treatment plans.

Lillian Caperila, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed.

caperila_lillianLil Caperila has enjoyed over 35 years of experience in dental hygiene practice and teaching. In 2000, Lil accepted a position in the corporate environment as a Professional Educator and Manager of Education Programs with Premier Dental Products Company in Plymouth Meeting, PA. This role has afforded her the opportunity to deliver well over 500 seminars throughout the United States and among her colleagues internationally.

A graduate of Montgomery County Community College with an A.S. degree in applied science and certificate in dental hygiene, she has practiced in the Philadelphia area as a periodontal co-therapist for 24 years.

In 1989, Lil achieved her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene education from Thomas Jefferson University and later completed her master’s degree in instructional design and training from Penn State University.

Lil served as the President of Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association in 1999-2000, and the recipient of the ADHA Irene Newman Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Advancement of Dental Hygiene as well as National Award for Student Advisor at Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, PA.

In 2009, Lil was selected as the first alumnus of her college to be named to their Alumni Hall of Fame at Montgomery County College. In 2014, the college selected Lil as one of their Fabulous 50 Alumni celebrated during their 50th anniversary.

Last month, Lil received confirmation as a contributing author for the chapter on Dentinal Hypersensitivity in a new dental hygiene textbook entitled: “Dental Hygiene: Applications to Clinical Practice” published by F.A. Davis, Philadelphia.