MetLife has added three resource guides to its Dental Continuing Education program, which is recognized by the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Continuing education materials are available to both MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP) participants and non-PDP dentists. (The guides are available online and can be completed for continuing education credits.)  PDP participants receive continuing education credits at no cost for New York-based MetLife’s educational offerings. Non-PDP dentists and hygienists have access to the resources and are charged a nominal fee for educational credits.

“MetLife is continually enhancing its Dental Continuing Education program as part of its commitment to the dental community,” said Dr. Alan Vogel, national dental director for MetLife. “We are pleased to be able to provide resources that make it easier for dental professionals to stay current with clinical and professional developments.”

The newest guides are:

1. Assessing Orofacial Pain, by Dr. Edward F. Wright, associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center–San Antonio. Orofacial pain encompasses a wide range of potential disorders usually separated into three primary categories: musculoskeletal, neurovascular and neuropathic. This guide helps the dental professional categorize a patient’s orofacial pain by identifying the quality of the pain and history, and by performing a clinical exam. A series of clinical approaches are discussed to identify, or rule out, factors that may be contributing to or increasing the pain.
2. Assessing Risk for Chronic Periodontitis in Adults, 3rd edition, by Dr. Ray C. Williams, professor of periodontology and dean of the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. This guide presents the most recent information available for understanding the risk factors associated with chronic periodontitis. It discusses how risk assessment should be done as part of the initial clinical examination to serve as the basis for treatment strategies, and at recall to determine progress, subsequent treatment, and the frequency of future visits. The guide underscores the critical concept that those without overt disease can also be at risk. A description of a software system to aid the practitioner in determining risk and suggested treatment is also included.
3. Recognition and Management of Patients with Xerostomia, 2nd edition, by Dr. James Guggenheimer, professor of oral medicine and pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and professor of otolaryngology in the School of Medicine.  Xerostomia (or “dry mouth”) is increasing in prevalence in the United States and can seriously affect a patient’s overall oral health. This guide includes a discussion of the three primary causes of xerostomia—drugs, systemic diseases, and radiation—and offers a detailed description of its signs and symptoms.