Dental Sound Bites

Hosted by American Dental Association

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May 2026

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Dental Sound Bites is an ADA podcast created for dentists, by dentists. Join our hosts, representing different paths in their careers, for real talk on dentistry's daily wins and sticky situations. Tune in to benefit from the wisdom of your peers and share some laughs along the way. Come for the camaraderie, stay for insightful discussions with leading experts from our industry and beyond. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the American Dental Association.

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September 29, 2026Episode 239 min

Building Your Dental Career

W e're sharing the career-building moves every dental professional should know, plus the five good habits that can help you build long-term success. Featured Guest s : Dr. Kayla Klingensmith For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes In this episode, we're sharing the career-building moves every dental professional should know, plus habits that can help you build long-term success. Our guest is Dr. Karla Klingensmith. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Roanoke College, went to dental school at the University of Pittsburgh where she also got her Master's in Public Health . Did her GRP at Lehigh Valley Hospital where she is an attending and is now the owner of Evergrow Dental in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she is passionate about helping patients achieve lasting oral health by uncovering the root causes of dental disease. Dr. Klingensmith is the chair of the American Dental Association 's New Dentist Committee . Dr. Klingensmith's family includes her husband and her two standard poodles. She enjoys reading, crafting, and gardening. Many dentists are surprised by how different practice is from dental school. Dr. Klingensmith discusses the challenges, expectations, and lessons that often catch new dentists off guard during their first job , including sharing her own first job experience. W hen evaluating that first job search , should new dentists prioritize compensation or focus on finding the best learning environment? Dr. Klingensmith explains why the right experience early in your career can shape long-term growth, confidence, and success , and how to best evaluate what matters most to you . Dr. Klingensmith shares the questions every dentist should ask before accepting a job offer, including how to evaluate mentorship opportunities, spot red flags during the interview process, connect with dentists already in the practice, and understand important contract provisions, such as restrictive covenants. The group discusses that confidence takes time to build and reminds new dentists to give themselves grace as they develop their skills. The conversation explores how to approach unfamiliar procedures, embrace continuous learning, knowing your worth, and recogniz ing that competence is earned through experience, not expected on day one. Landing the job is just the beginning. Dr. Klingensmith shares what professional development looks like during the early years of practice, including the skills that matter most, how to create a personal growth plan for yourself , and how dentists can make the most of even a few hours each month dedicated to learning and career development. Knowing when to stay and when to move on from a job can be one of the biggest career decisions a dentist makes. Dr. Klingensmith discusses when she knew it was time to move on, and the signs that it may be time for a change. Dr. Klingensmith says that the important financial decisions new dentists should be thinking about from the start include managing debt, evaluating compensation, and building healthy financial habits. What are the five things every new dentist should do during the first five years after dental school? Dr. Klingensmith shares the five good habits that helped her stay on track , from committing to continuing education and mentorship to building strong financial and professional foundations. Resources Get the news you need to help you thrive in your career and life – focused on the challenges you face early in your career. Explore the early career dentist success hub – what early career dentists rely on in their career, practice and financial future. Map out your career goals, evaluate options and make confident career moves with this career planning resources. Learn how to evaluate your employment contract and protect your interests with this "What to Know before Signing" E-book. Questions about the a ssociate - to - o wnership path? See what you need to know before buying a practice . Learn more about the New Dentist Committee at the ADA and get involved! ADA members get discounts! Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started. Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok .

September 22, 20265 min

Bonus Episode: Shape Future CDT Codes

Have a brilliant idea for a new CDT code? Learn how you can participate in the CDT code development process, submit proposals, and contribute ideas that may influence the future of dental coding. Featured Guest : Dr. Shelley Barker Olson For more information visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

September 15, 2026Episode 136 min

Your CDT Code Playbook

We're answering your most frequently asked CDT Code questions and covering the key changes coming in 2027 to help you navigate CDT codes with confidence. For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Featured Guest : Dr. Shelley Barker Olson Show Notes In this episode, w e're answering your most frequently asked CDT Code questions, and covering the key changes coming in 2027 to help you navigate CDT codes with confidence. Our guest for this episode is Dr. Shelley Olson. Dr. Olson received her DDS degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. While at UNC she was President of the American Association of Women Dentists. Since receiving her degree, Dr. Olson has been in private practice, active in her community, and served in elected offices of local, district, state and national dental societies. Additionally, she is actively working with the North Carolina Dental Society as President and the American Dental Association as Chair of the Council on Dental Benefits Programming. Coding plays a critical role in every dental practice. The conversation begins with a CDT code primer, exploring what CDT codes are, why they matter, and some key concepts every dental professional should understand . More than just a billing tool, CDT codes serve as a standardized language that helps dentists, dental benefit plans, and other professionals communicate consistently about procedures and services. Dr. Olson explain s why CDT codes change from year to year , and how t he C ode M aintenance C ommittee review s new code requests . The conversation covers the criteria used to determine whether proposals are added , and the role dental professionals can play in the submission process . The group discusses CDT Code updates for 2027 that are expected to have the greatest impact on everyday clinical practice. The conversation highlights updates to i mplant -related codes , the addition of new pain management codes, and efforts to address gaps to better reflect current procedures and patient care. Dr. Olson shared practical advice for navigating some of the most common CDT coding c hallenges face d by dentists . Some of these include frequent coding errors, including those involving nightguards and extractions, and she offers insights to help improve coding accuracy, documentation and claim submissions. Dentists are told "code for what you do ", but what if your claim still gets denied? Dr. Olson explains how to navigate claim denials, and shares what you should do when this happens . Even for practices that are not participating with dental insurance plans, accurate CDT c oding is essential , Dr. Olson says, because codes are a standardized record of care , they support clear documentation and help ensure clear continuity of care if patients transfer between providers. The conversation addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about CDT coding, including documentation requirements for scaling and planing . The discussion also explores what dentists can do when they identify a gap in the CDT codes. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that dentists can play an active role in the evolution of the CDT Code guides . Dr. Olson explains how dental professionals can participate in the code maintenance process, learn more about the ADA Code Maintenance Committee , and contribute ideas that help ensure CDT code s continue to reflect the needs of today's dental practices. Resources Get answers to some of the most frequently asked CDT questions . Need CDT support ? ADA can help ! Free c odi ng assistanc e is avail able to all ADA members, plus any non-member who has purchased the curr ent manual. Please contact ADA at 800.621.8099 or dentalcode@ada.org . Did you know 67 changes are coming to the CDT Code in 2027? Order your new CDT 2027 and Coding Companion Kit. Learn more about the ADA's Code Maintenance Committee . Need to r equest a CDT Code addition, revision, or deletion? Find out how here. See how the ADA is pursuing insurance and benefits reforms that improve how dental care is financed and administered for all. Explore ADA Continuing Education courses to ensure your dental team understands CDT codes and how to use them correctly. ADA members get discounts! Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started. Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok .

May 12, 20264 min

Bonus Episode: Season 7 - Best Moments

The conversation continues. In this bonus episode, Dr. Arnell Wright and Dr. Effie Ioanidou reflect on their journey into dentistry, and share their favorite moments from Season 7. For more information visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

May 5, 202652 min

Building Financial Security

It's the money roadmap you need now to help you build long-term financial security. We're sharing five money moves you can make today, what you need to know before switching career paths, and the one student loan deadline that you can't afford to miss. For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Featured Guest s : Joseph McGrath Dani Buschick Dr. Michael Jerkins Show Notes In this episode, we explore practical ways to take control of your finances and plan for long-term financial security . We're talking about student loans, what to know when switching careers, and the five money moves you can make right now. To help explain what everyone needs to know about student loans, we asked our friend Joseph McGrath from KeyBank to walk us through new details , dates, and updates. Mr. McGrath shares that big student loan changes are coming, and that July 1, 2026, is the key date to know. He explains that some programs are being phased out, and that federal repayment options may narrow significantly. Big changes are underway for income-driven repayment as well, impacting both dentists and residents . With new federal loan caps and fewer repayment options, Mr. McGrath underscores the importance of borrowers understanding their loan structure, exploring available options, and seeking professional guidance to navigate the changes. Dani Buschick , f inancial w ellness coach, and host of the podcast Life. Money. You. joins us to break down the five numbers every dentist should know to take control of their financial well-being. Ms. Buschick offers actionable tips and an easy -to-follow framework for creat ing spending plans , automat ing savings, and building lasting financial stability. Small actions can create big impact . Ms. Buschick emphasizes the importance of understanding your debt, build ing an emergency fund, protecting your credit, automating savings, and using availabl e resources available, like free financial coaching, to create sustainable habits and personalized financial plans. Our next guest, Dr. Michael Jerkins, joins us to talk about how to navigate career transitions . Dr. Jerkins is the President and Co-founder of Panacea Financial and is also a practicing physician in Little Rock, AR. Dr. Jerkins explores the transition between employee and practice owner roles and highlights the financial and personal co nsiderations involved in these career shifts. To prepare for these career transitions , Dr. Jerkins emphasizes the importan ce of building a trusted advisory team, assessing your financial readiness, and developing a clear plan. Resources Read an ADA News story about how the One Big Beautiful Bill impacts student loans . Learn more about ADA Member Advantage partner KeyBank . ADA Credit Union is tailored for ADA member dentists, their teams and everyone's extended families — offering exclusive financial products and personalized coaching that support your goals through every life stage. Visit ADACU.org to learn more. Banking Built for Dentists. Not Shareholders. At ADA Credit Union, your money works for you—because you own it. If you're part of the dental profession, your financial institution should be too. Join ADA Credit Union . Member‑owned. Dentist‑focused. Built for your future. At the Credit Union, financial well-being comes first. Life. Money. You.® (LMY) is ADA Credit Union's holistic financial well-being program, designed to help you achieve financial success through digital tools, one-on-one coaching, and practical resources. Check out the latest episode of the Life. Money. You. Podcast . Read more about Panacea Financial and the savings for ADA members. Keep learning! Watch another episode on smart finances for dentists. Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started. Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok . Disclosures This podcast is produced for information purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation of any product. KeyBank and its affiliates are not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting or tax advice or recommendations in this podcast. The information contained in this recording may not be current, and KeyBank has no obligation to provide any updates or changes. Neither KeyBank nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, of any kind, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this podcast and expressly disclaims any and all liabilities around such. Key.com/ADA IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please note that if you refinance qualifying federal student loans, you will no longer be eligible for certain federal benefits or programs and waive your right to future benefits or programs offered on those loans, which may include, but are not limited to, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment plans, forbearance, or certain forgiveness options granted to Parent Plus borrowers. Please carefully consider your options when refinancing federal student loans and consult http://www.studentaid.gov for the most current information.

April 21, 202638 min

Substance Addiction and Recovery

An honest conversation about the challenges surrounding substance addiction and misuse, and the available pathways people can turn to for support, healing, and long‑term wellbeing. Featured Guest: Dr. Bill Claytor For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes In this episode, an honest conversation about the challenges surrounding burnout, substance addiction and misuse, and the available pathways people can turn to for support, healing, and long-term wellbeing. Our special guest is Dr. J. William "Bill" Claytor, Jr., a nationally recognized dental professional from Shelby, NC, with expertis e in general dentistry, substance use disorders, mental health, and burnout prevention. Since 2022, he has served as Executive Director of North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals. Dr. Claytor shares the moment he realized he needed help managing burnout and the pressures of dentistry, and what he did to seek out help. Plus. He shares the life lesson he learned from this experience . What began as volunteering with North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals turned into something much bigger, ultimately leading Dr. Claytor to step into the role of executive director and continue to help shape the organization's future. The discussion dives into the most common mental health issues facing dentists right now, along with realistic steps they can take when they find themselves in these situations. The stigma associated with substance misuse or asking for help often comes up as a major challenge, along with other difficult hurdles . For anyone quietly struggling with substance misuse, addiction, burnout, or mental health challenges, Dr. Claytor highlights some of the available resources, and outlines the first steps toward getting support. Dr. Claytor also introduces a simple but powerful framework for wellness using the acronym C.A.S.E., focusing on being collegial, improving access to care, breaking down stigma, and finding ways to engage and empower one another. This episode also tackles a tough but important question: how to recognize when someone needs help and how to approach them with care. Drawing from his own experiences, Dr, Claytor offers guidance, tools, and resources to help listeners support colleagues who may be struggling. Resources Find peer support and wellness resources for dentists across the U.S. through the Well-Being Directory . The ADA offers many programs and resources to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You can find a complete list at ADA.org/wellness . Reach out to your local and state societies to see what resources are available near you. The Well-Being Index , an anonymous validated assessment, resource and measurement tool developed by the Mayo Clinic to address clinician distress and well-being, is newly available at no cost for every ADA member. Listen to Dental Sound Bites episodes on perfectionism and mental wellness and mental health . Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started. Have a story or show idea you want to share? Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok .

April 7, 202632 min

Sticky Situations: Ethics Edition

A fter‑hours calls, patient autonomy, nervous patients… how do you handle the ethical curveballs that show up in everyday practice? We've got advice to help you confidently navigate some sticky situations. Featured Guest: Dr. Kelly Roth Special Guest s : Dr. Craig McKenzie , Dr. Maryann Lehmann, and Dr. Lance Attiq For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes In this episode, we are talking about sticky situations. From after‑hours calls to patient autonomy, and nervous patients… how do you handle the ethical curveballs that show up in everyday practice? We've got advice to help you confidently navigate the tough issues. Our guest for this episode is Dr. Kelly Roth , a general dentist in Canton, OH. She is the speaker of the House of Delegates of the Ohio Dental Association. She also previously served as the ODA's vice speaker of the House of Delegates and is the past chair of the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs, past chair of the ODA Credentials, Rules and Order Committee, past chair of the ODA Ethics Subcommittee, past member of the ODA Council on Membership Services, and past president of the Stark County Dental Society. She is a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, Academy of General Dentistry, National Association of Parliamentarians, American Institute of Parliamentarians, and International College of Dentists. Dr. Roth breaks down the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, explaining what it is, why it matters, and the critical role it plays in modern dentistry. In this episode, dentists open l y sha re their stickiest real-world scenarios. First up , we' r e jo ined by Dr. Craig McKenzie , an assistant professor of dental anesthesiology and the director of the Center for Patients with Special Needs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He is a past national president of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) and was a founding member of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure. He currently serves as a member of the AD A Council o n Members hip, CODA site visitor for dental anesthesiology, as well as the Pennsylvania Dental Association's (PDA) Membership Committee and New Dentist Committee. He was recognized for his contributions with the ADA's 10 Under 10 award in 2025 . Dr. Mc K enzie shares his real-world case involving an adult patient with special healthcare needs who understood the risks and benefits of a specific procedure but was too anxious to consent, highlighting how he navigated consent, patient autonomy, anxiety management, and family involvement. Our next guest is Dr. Maryann Lehman n , who has been in private practice for over 35 years in Darien, CT. She has been a dental researcher as part of the PBRN PEARL Network, and an inventor holding numerou s patents in dental technolog y . Her philanthropic efforts include being a volunteer adjunct professor of General Dentistry at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, making service trips with students, and working at the CT Mission of Merc y . Dr. Lehmann feels her greatest intention i n being a dentist is to improve the quality of dental care for the greater good. Dr. Lehmann shares how the overwhelm of all-hour messag ing , and non-urgent demands have blurred patient boundaries after hours and rais es questions about charging for emergency call-backs . The conversation turns to defining dental emergencies, boundaries, delegating in these situations , and how to protect dentists' mental health while still fulfill ing ethical obligations. Dr. Roth shares a story of an incident that helped her define boundaries for herself . After prescribing medications to someone she believe d to be a patient of her practice , she reflect ed on the lessons learned and the importance of establishing safeguards for emergency care. Our last sticky situatio n comes from Dr. Lance Attiq, a general dentist practicing at a F ederally Qualified Health Center in Arizona. With involvement in dentistry since a young ag e , his experience includes roles as a dental assistant, free clinic manager, clinical dentistry IT coordinator, and active participant in organized dentistry. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Attiq serves as Adjunct Faculty at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, where he educates students and colleagues on leveragin g technology to improve patient care. Dr. Attiq recounts treating an extremely nervous patient who was vomiting before and after an extraction, despite stable vitals and repeated confirmation to proceed . This prompted a thoughtful discussion on managing severe dental anxiety , practicing the principle of doing no harm, and knowing when to pause treatment. Resources Download the 2026 ADA Principles and Code of Professional Conduct. Learn more about the Council on Ethics Bylaws and Judicial Affairs (CEBJA). You can read the Ethical M o ment section in current and back issues of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) . Listen to the ADA's CEBJA podcast, Dental Dilemmas . Dr. McKenzie was recognized for his contributions with the ADA's 10 Under 10 award in 2025. Have a story or show idea you want to share with us? Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.

March 24, 202637 min

Advocacy in Action

We're taking a look into ADA advocacy : t he wins, the hurdles, and the real behind‑the‑scenes work that is shaping oral health now. Featured Guest: Dr. Laurie Rosato Special Guest: Dr. Sara Stuefen For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes In this episode, Dr. Laurie Rosato joins us to explain how advocacy shapes daily dental practice, why it's essential for protecting patient care, and how the American D ental Association is advocat ing for the profession . Dr. Laurie Rosato is a practicing dentist in Concord, New Hampshire. A long -standing member of the American Dental Association, and an active member of her state and local society. Her passion has always been to be involved with shaping the profession, and she advocates every year at the NH Statehouse on current issues. She has served her state level Government Affairs team as Chair for over 10 years and currently serves on the Council for Government Affairs at the ADA . Dr. Rosato currently is also President Elect of the New Hampshire Dental Society. She is passionate about teaching and brings students every semester into her practice to learn about dentistry; several have gone on to become dentists; many have become assistants and hygienists. Dr. Rosato shares her journey from becoming interested in advocacy, to testifying at the New Hampshire statehouse , and serving on the ADA Council on Government Affairs, highlighting how grassroots action informs national strategy. Some of the biggest misconceptions around advocacy, Dr. Rosato explains , are about seemingly "slow" progress, with Dr. Rosato detailing the complex process of bill sponsorship, education, and persistence on Capitol Hill. The conversation spotlights some recent wins for dental advocacy, including the Massachusetts MLR bill as a case study in patient‑powered advocacy and how it sparked nationwide reform efforts. Dr. Rosato shares examples of the work ADA advocacy is doing now , and that they've been able to introduce or support 26 bills in Congress over the past two years. Dr. Sara Stu e fen, a general dentist in Iowa, a Tenth District Trustee of the American Dental Association, and V ice C hair of the Iowa Dental Political Action Committee, joins us to explain the latest developments in dental insurance reform, ERISA, and how the ADA is pushing Congress on this issue. The conversation closes with a call to action and an explanation on why dentist voices matter at every level- local, state, and national. Resources Learn more about ERISA Plans. Find out how the latest Insurance Reform Bill Upholds State Regulations . Read about Legislation introduced to apply state dental insurance laws to self-funded plans . Take a look at the 2025 ADA Advocacy H ighlights. Listen to this Dental Sound Bites episode to learn more about dental insurance. Or, watch the video on our YouTube channel. Get involved in ADA Advocacy ! Learn how to take action . Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.

March 10, 202625 min

New Oral Cancer Recommendations

Discover how evolving evidence is reshaping oral cancer guidelines and informing patient care. What all dentists need to know now about new oral cancer recommendations and the ADA's innovative approach to clinical practice guidelines. Special Guest: Dr. Alessandro Villa For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes In this episode , we dive into the new ADA Living Guideline Program, the first in oral health, a nd learn all about this new initiative and its first set of recommendations on oral cancer. Our special guest is Dr. Alessandro Villa, DDS, PhD, MPH, Chief of oral medicine, oral oncology and dentistry at Miami Cancer Institute, where he also serves as program director of the Oral Oncology Fellowship. He is a Professor at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. Dr. Villa specializes in oral mucosal and salivary gland diseases, oral precancers and oral complications related to cancer treatment. Before joining Miami Cancer Institute in 2022, he was Chief of Oral Medicine and Oral Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF); he also directed the oral medicine residency programs at UCSF and Harvard University. His research focuses on oral leukoplakia, cancer therapy-related complications, and the prevention of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Villa is actively involved in several investigator-initiated and sponsored clinical trials and has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Villa provide s an in-depth overview of the ADA's Living Guideline Program, explaining its purpose, how it work s , and the key way s it differs from traditional guidelines . L iving G uidelines are developed with the same level of rigor as traditional guidelines, but the y use a distinct infrastructure design for continuous updates to emerging evidence, Dr. Villa shares. T he develop ment of these L iving G uidelines is driven by a multidisciplinary panel that typically includes general dentist s , dental hygienist s , oral medicine and oral pathology specialists , oral surgeons , a nd other relevant experts . These panels also incorporate patients and additional stake holders . Dr. Villa shares that they use the great evidence - to - decision framework to help dentists efficiently move from data to recommendations in a timely manner . All of this is built inside a digital platform. W hen evidence is conflicting or limited , Dr. Villa explains, the transparent process for Living Guideli nes ensures clarity and integrity. T he first set of recommendations from the ADA's Living Guideline program is on the evaluation of potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity. Dr. Villa gives us more details about th ese recommendations, and the findings to date. Dr. Villa explains how the results of the Living Guidelines recommendations affect how clinicians should implement these guidelines . Resources Learn more about the ADA's Living Guideline program. Take a look at the updated oral cancer guideline in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) . These updated recommendations guide the use of cytology adjuncts for early oral cancer detection in an interactive format. Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.

February 24, 202640 min

Heart & Oral Health Link

We're talking about the fascinating link between the mouth and the heart, and how tiny microbes play a big role . Tune to find out what oral health can tell us about overall health. Special Guest: Dr. Jessica Mark Welch For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes In this episode , we're connecting the dots between the o ral micro biome and overall health and talking about the fascinating link between the mouth and the heart, and how tiny microbes play a big role . Our guest for this episode is Dr. Jessica Mark Welch , a Senior Scientist and Full Professor at the ADA Forsyth Institute in Somerville, M A . Dr. Mark Welch and her team use both imaging and DNA sequencing approaches to investigate the structure and organization of the oral microbiome. She is co-developer of the Combinatorial Labeling and Spectral Imaging-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (CLASI-FISH) strategy for imaging the spatial organization of microbial communities, with which she and her colleagues have discovered highly organized, complex structures in human dental plaque and on the human tongue. Her group uses DNA sequence data to construct pangenomes of oral microbes and examines metagenomic data to investigate why different bacteria live where they do, and how we can encourage the growth of health-promoting bacteria in the mouth. Dr. Mark Welch curates the Human Oral Microbiome Database to provide the research community with high-quality, curated information about oral bacteria, their genomes, and their distribution throughout the mouth. Dr. Mark Welch explains her work with oral microbiome, and the connection between heart health and oral health . She shares that the mouth contains hundreds of bacterial species that form distinct communities on teeth (dental plaque) and on the tongue (tongue biofilm). A balanced oral microbiome supports normal metabolism and contributes to blood pressure regulation. Researchers are investigating why so many different bacterial species coexist in the mouth and how these interdependent microbial communities share metabolic functions to support each other. Dr. Mark Welch says her research explores how differences in people's mouth bacteria might explain varied responses. The conversation shifts to the implications of microbiome research for oral health and how a deeper understanding of bacterial communities could eventually influence approaches to patient care. Resources Learn more about the research from the ADA Forsyth Science Institute. See what makes ADA Forsyth® dentech ™ the top conference for oral health innovation — find out more. Stay connected with the ADA on social media! Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok for the latest industry news, member perks and conversations shaping dentistry.