The Secret World of Saliva: A Student's Guide to Salivary Testing

August 27, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

About this event
The Secret World of Saliva: A Student’s Guide to Salivary Testing”

With Michelle Mahlke & Lora Hooper

Course Description:

This introductory course is designed for dental hygiene students who are new to the concept of salivary diagnostics. You'll learn what salivary testing is, who it benefits, and why it’s becoming a powerful tool in modern dental care. We’ll explore how the bacteria in saliva can impact not just oral health, but the entire body, highlighting the critical oral-systemic connection. Most importantly, students will discover how salivary testing empowers dental hygienists to take a more active, informed role in patient care, prevention, and education.

Course objectives:

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

  • Define what salivary testing is and how it works.
  • Identify which patients may benefit from salivary testing.
  • Explain how oral bacteria can influence systemic health (oral-systemic connection).
  • Describe how salivary testing supports early detection and personalized care.
  • Recognize the role of the dental hygienist in implementing and educating patients about salivary testing.
  • Understand how salivary testing enhances the dental hygienist’s ability to practice proactive, evidence-based care.
  • About this Student Webinar Program:

    This is an interactive student webinar designed specifically for current students and recent grads. While your camera will be off, we encourage lively discussion in the chat box—ask questions, share takeaways, and connect with other future professionals!

    This format is designed to be flexible and student-friendly, so feel free to tune in between classes, during your commute, or wherever you may be. Whether you're soaking up info on the go or participating from your couch, we're glad you're here!

    About the presenter:

    Michelle Mahlke is a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist with over 21 years of clinical experience. Her passion for advancing oral health led her to begin salivary testing five years ago, diving deep into the "why" behind disease prevention and early detection. She is especially committed to identifying airway issues early and promoting preventative care. Michelle currently serves as a Clinical Account Manager for SimplyTest Oral Health, while continuing to practice clinical hygiene two days a month. She also partners with Community Dental Connections, providing free dental care to elementary schools and raising awareness about the importance of early airway screening. A strong advocate for the oral-systemic connection, Michelle is a proud member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH). She is passionate about educating both professionals and patients, empowering them with knowledge that bridges oral and overall health.

    Lora Hooper is a nationally recognized expert in oral-systemic health and salivary diagnostics, known in the industry as “The Saliva Hacker.” With over 30 years in clinical practice, she has helped pioneer the integration of dental and medical care, using saliva as a vital tool for disease prevention. Lora earned her BSDH and EFDA certification from The Ohio State University, is a Preceptor of the Bale Doneen Method, and a graduate of the SSRP peptide program. She has personally managed over 3,500 salivary diagnostic cases and contributed to more than 90,000 others across dental and medical fields. In 2017, she became the first dental hygienist in the U.S. to work in a cardiology practice. She is the Founder of STAT AI, President of IDMSS, and serves on faculty at the Pankey Institute and Dawson Academy. A sought-after speaker, podcast guest, and coach, Lora is passionate about helping dental professionals elevate care through integrative practices.

    Instructor: Michelle Mahlke & Lora Hooper
    Cloud Contact: Julie Looker

    Email: julie@clouddentistry.com

    Location: Virtual

    About this event
    The Secret World of Saliva: A Student’s Guide to Salivary Testing”

    With Michelle Mahlke & Lora Hooper

    Course Description:

    This introductory course is designed for dental hygiene students who are new to the concept of salivary diagnostics. You'll learn what salivary testing is, who it benefits, and why it’s becoming a powerful tool in modern dental care. We’ll explore how the bacteria in saliva can impact not just oral health, but the entire body, highlighting the critical oral-systemic connection. Most importantly, students will discover how salivary testing empowers dental hygienists to take a more active, informed role in patient care, prevention, and education.

    Course objectives:

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

  • Define what salivary testing is and how it works.
  • Identify which patients may benefit from salivary testing.
  • Explain how oral bacteria can influence systemic health (oral-systemic connection).
  • Describe how salivary testing supports early detection and personalized care.
  • Recognize the role of the dental hygienist in implementing and educating patients about salivary testing.
  • Understand how salivary testing enhances the dental hygienist’s ability to practice proactive, evidence-based care.
  • About this Student Webinar Program:

    This is an interactive student webinar designed specifically for current students and recent grads. While your camera will be off, we encourage lively discussion in the chat box—ask questions, share takeaways, and connect with other future professionals!

    This format is designed to be flexible and student-friendly, so feel free to tune in between classes, during your commute, or wherever you may be. Whether you're soaking up info on the go or participating from your couch, we're glad you're here!

    About the presenter:

    Michelle Mahlke is a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist with over 21 years of clinical experience. Her passion for advancing oral health led her to begin salivary testing five years ago, diving deep into the "why" behind disease prevention and early detection. She is especially committed to identifying airway issues early and promoting preventative care. Michelle currently serves as a Clinical Account Manager for SimplyTest Oral Health, while continuing to practice clinical hygiene two days a month. She also partners with Community Dental Connections, providing free dental care to elementary schools and raising awareness about the importance of early airway screening. A strong advocate for the oral-systemic connection, Michelle is a proud member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH). She is passionate about educating both professionals and patients, empowering them with knowledge that bridges oral and overall health.

    Lora Hooper is a nationally recognized expert in oral-systemic health and salivary diagnostics, known in the industry as “The Saliva Hacker.” With over 30 years in clinical practice, she has helped pioneer the integration of dental and medical care, using saliva as a vital tool for disease prevention. Lora earned her BSDH and EFDA certification from The Ohio State University, is a Preceptor of the Bale Doneen Method, and a graduate of the SSRP peptide program. She has personally managed over 3,500 salivary diagnostic cases and contributed to more than 90,000 others across dental and medical fields. In 2017, she became the first dental hygienist in the U.S. to work in a cardiology practice. She is the Founder of STAT AI, President of IDMSS, and serves on faculty at the Pankey Institute and Dawson Academy. A sought-after speaker, podcast guest, and coach, Lora is passionate about helping dental professionals elevate care through integrative practices.

    Instructor: Michelle Mahlke & Lora Hooper
    Cloud Contact: Julie Looker

    Email: julie@clouddentistry.com

    Location: Virtual

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