Learning Objectives

• Define biohacking and what the movement means to dentistry. 
• Discover how applying AI enhances the patients' understanding of diagnostic concepts and increases case acceptance. 
• Interpret how the increased understanding of airway, occlusion, and the oral microbiome is impacting oral health and overall health.  
• Analyze how minimally invasive prescriptive protocols like salivary diagnostics and GBT alter the patient experience and improve clinical endpoints. 
• Differentiate from case studies highlighting the functional approach to dental hygiene care.

The world of healthcare has rapidly changed over the past five years.  A biohacking movement is sweeping the nation as more Americans are taking an active role in their health by making small, science-driven lifestyle changes.   It is estimated that the market value of the biohacking market will reach 63 billion by the end of 2028.  Medical providers are beginning to shift to a more personally prescriptive healthcare strategy for their patients rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to care.  Technology and scientific advancements are bringing a new era to oral healthcare.  These advances have created many opportunities for dental hygienists to practice at the top of their scope while restoring their professional passion and meeting the needs of the unique, fast-growing biohacking market.   This biohacking era provides dental hygienists with a remarkable opportunity to embrace and employ scientific advances through advanced knowledge of the oral microbiome, oral-systemic connection, application of AI in diagnostics, DNA/PCR salivary testing, and the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) workflow.    Transformation is necessary for biohacking dental hygiene to meet the needs of this changing patient market, improve oral health-related quality of life, and enhance the patient experience.  This course prepares today's dental hygiene to meet the needs of this emerging.