METLIFE ADDS FIVE QUALITY RESOURCE GUIDES TO ITS DENTAL CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM

METLIFE ADDS FIVE QUALITY RESOURCE GUIDES TO ITS DENTAL CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM

NEW YORK , September 14, 2010

MetLife, a provider of dental plan administration for over 20 million people, announced the addition of five quality resources guides (QRG) to its dental continuing education program, which is recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). The guides added to the program, which can be completed online for continuing education credits, include: 1) Clinical Decision-Making for Caries Management in Children 3^rd Edition, 2) Impact of Inflammatory Periodontal Disease on Systemic Health, 3) Implant Placement by the General Dentist, 4) Local Delivery of Agents to Treat Periodontal Diseases and 5) Periodontal Osseous Surgery. The courses can be accessed at www.metdental.com.

According to Dr. David Guarrera, DDS, vice president, MetLife Dental Products, “MetLife is committed to making timely and need-based educational resources available for dentists and allied health care professionals seeking to enhance their professional development. We’re pleased to add five new courses to our online continuing education program for the convenience of the dental community and for the ultimate benefit they provide to patients.”

MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP) participants and non-PDP dentists are eligible to participate in MetLife’s continuing education program. There is no fee for PDP participants to receive continuing education credits for MetLife’s educational offerings. Non-PDP dentists and hygienists have access to the offerings, but are charged a nominal fee for credits.

1. Clinical Decision-Making for Caries Management in Children 3^rd Edition, by Norman Tinanoff, DDS MS, professor and chair of the Department of Health Promotion and Policy, Dental School University of Maryland. The revised 3^rd edition of this guide focuses on the concept that meeting a child’s needs and their parent’s expectations for appropriate care of carious lesions is based on early recognition of risk indications and timely implementation of corrective actions. The benefits, and potential risks, of fluoride supplementation and topical application are discussed in detail. A discussion of the coordinated role of sealants, diet, and oral hygiene in the prevention and control of dental caries is also presented.

2. Impact of Inflammatory Periodontal Disease on Systemic Health is written by Dr. Brian Mealey, professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. Recent research findings have increased the understanding of the influence periodontal infections may have on diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pregnancy. This guide provides a scientifically based overview of the relationship of periodontal disease and these systemic maladies, and discusses the clinical implications of these relationships.

3. Implant Placement by the General Dentist is authored by Dr. J. Bruce Bavitz, Chair, Department of Surgical Specialties University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. As general dentists are increasingly performing both stages (placement and restoration) of dental implant therapy, this guide discusses factors to consider during treatment planning, surgery and post-operative care of implants. The guide also presents a thorough discussion of the contraindications for dental implant therapy, as well as the complications that can occur during and after treatment.

4. Local Delivery of Agents to Treat Periodontal Diseases is by Dr. Sebastian G. Ciancio, distinguished service professor & chair in the Department of Periodontics & Endodontics at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Advances in technology have resulted in several local delivery and controlled release drugs that have proven useful in the treatment of periodontitis. These antimicrobial agents are typically used as adjuncts to scaling and root planting (SRP). This guide presents a detailed description of local delivery antimicrobial agents available to the practitioner, and reviews their clinical efficacy.

5. Periodontal Osseous Surgery is authored by Thomas G. Wilson Jr. DDS, clinical associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio Dental School. Periodontal therapy, including surgical approaches, plays an important role in assisting patients with periodontal diseases to retain their natural dentition. In addition, periodontal surgery may be used to prepare the soft tissues and bone prior to the delivery of restorative or prosthetic dental treatment. This guide provides a scientifically based overview of periodontal osseous surgery and discusses its use in treating periodontitis, and lengthening clinical crowns to allow restoration of a tooth. The guide will assist the dentist in assessing patients’ treatment needs, communicating with the periodontist during treatment planning and answering patient questions regarding proposed periodontal therapy.