Course Description:
Once a patient receives one or more dental implants, the process begins as an integrated effort between a dental surgeon and restorative practitioner. If this is performed by two different practitioners, communication in restorative mapping is paramount for the success of the implant. As the patient experiences the maintenance phase of care, the partnership becomes the dental hygienist and the patient. The skills necessary to ensure long term success begins with a thorough medical and dental assessment, discussion to identify all risk modifiers and recommendation of individualized home care aids and therapeutics. The ultimate responsibility is up to the patient to master effective home care protocol and consistent recall scheduling with the practice.

  • Apply the New Periodontal Classification System for dental implant health and disease

  • Distinguish between implant health, peri-mucositis, peri-implantitis and mucogingival disorders.

  • Identify and select the appropriate implant instruments relative to the type of implant materials and restorations placed

  • Discuss all steps critical in the examination, medical and dental assessment, patient education information and home care aids.

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.