Dry Mouth, Big Consequences: A Practical Approach to Xerostomia
Speaker:
Nichole Fick, RDH, MS
CE Credits:
About the Course
Xerostomia is an increasingly common oral health concern that can significantly impact a patient’s comfort, oral health, and quality of life. This course will provide dental professionals with a practical understanding of the causes and consequences of xerostomia, including systemic conditions, lifestyle habits, and commonly prescribed medications that reduce salivary flow. Participants will explore the essential protective functions of saliva and examine how salivary dysfunction contributes to dental caries, periodontal disease, oral candidiasis, halitosis, and other oral complications. The course will also investigate popular oral care products and ingredients that may worsen xerostomia's effects, as well as discuss the selection of evidence-informed products, ingredients, and home-care recommendations to help manage xerostomia and reduce associated oral health risks.
Educational Objectives
Identify common medical conditions, lifestyle habits, and medications associated with xerostomia and reduced salivary function.
Describe the protective functions of saliva and explain its role in maintaining oral health.
Recognize the oral signs, symptoms, and complications associated with xerostomia, including dental caries, periodontal disease, oral candidiasis, and halitosis.
Explain how reduced salivary flow alters the oral environment and increases a patient’s risk for oral disease.
Identify oral hygiene products, ingredients, and habits that may aggravate dry-mouth symptoms or contribute to oral irritation.
Recommend appropriate products, ingredients, and home-care strategies to help patients manage xerostomia and protect against associated oral health complications.
Develop individualized patient recommendations for xerostomia management based on the patient’s risk factors, symptoms, and oral health needs.
Your Instructor:
Nichole Fick, RDH, MS
Nichole has been a Dental Hygienist for 22 years, and prior to moving to Tennessee, spent 14 years teaching the next generation of hygienists as Assistant Clinical Professor for Indiana University’s dental hygiene program in Fort Wayne. She obtained her undergraduate degrees from Indiana University and went on to earn a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from Idaho State University.
Nichole has authored several articles and was the primary investigator for research on the calibration of clinical faculty. Recent presentations have included infection control, radiological interpretation, periodontal assessment, and xerostomia. Professional memberships include the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, American Dental Education Association, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Nichole served in multiple committees and leadership roles as a board member for Indiana ADHA constituent, including Secretary and Chair of Delegation. She also served her local component as Vice President. Since moving to Tennessee, she has returned to clinical practice for Ridgeview Family Dental in Jonesborough.
Conflict of Interest:
None reported
The TDA is an ADA CERP provider(May 2024 – June 2028)
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ada.org/cerp.
TENNESSEE DENTAL ASSOCIATION
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by
any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
4/1/2026 to 3/31/2029.
Provider ID# 219273