More Than Pelvic Pain: What Every Dental Hygienist Should Know About Endometriosis

With Dana Paladino, RDH, BS, MS

Course Description:

This course provides dental professionals with a foundational understanding of endometriosis and its relevance to oral health and dental appointments. Participants will explore the pathophysiology, common symptoms, and systemic effects of this complex condition, gaining insight into how endometriosis can influence patient comfort, treatment tolerance, and overall wellness. Through real-world case examples, attendees will learn strategies for compassionate communication, clinical adaptations, and comprehensive assessments that consider the whole patient. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to recognize the oral-systemic connections of endometriosis and enhance care for affected patients.

Course Objectives:

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

• Describe the pathophysiology and key symptoms of endometriosis.
• Recognize how endometriosis may influence oral health and clinical presentation.
• Identify clinical considerations for providing safe and supportive dental hygiene care.
• Discuss patient-centered strategies to enhance comfort and compliance.
• Apply practical approaches to integrate systemic health awareness into daily clinical practice.

Thank You to Our Course Sponsor

Dental Hygiene Basics

To learn more about Dental Hygiene Basics, visit: www.dentalhygienebasics.com

About the Presenter:

Dana Paladino has been in the dental field for over 13 years. She started her career as a dental assistant before attending dental hygiene school at UT Health San Antonio. After graduation, she worked clinically prior to transitioning into education. During this time, she obtained her Master's in Aging and Dementia Studies.

She has taught at 3 different dental hygiene institutions, and she now owns her own educational consulting business. Her company, Dental Hygiene Basics, has a mission to help 100,000 students add RDH to their name. She works hard to achieve this mission every day by creating free content on the Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast, providing scholarships for current dental hygiene students, and educating as a national board tutor. Dana is also a public speaker, StudentRDH educator, and CDCA examiner. She continues to practice one day a week as a public health hygienist in San Antonio, TX.