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In this episode of The Digital Dentist Digest, Dr. Melissa Seibert sits down with Dr. Pam Maragliano for Part 2 of their conversation, focusing on how to build a modern, prevention-driven dental practice through guided biofilm therapy (GBT), risk-based hygiene systems, and effective patient communication.

Dr. Maragliano provides a detailed look at how her practice has transitioned from traditional hygiene models to a biofilm-centered approach, utilizing advanced technologies such as air polishing systems, subgingival biofilm removal, and piezoelectric instrumentation. She outlines how these tools not only improve clinical outcomes but also enhance patient comfort, efficiency, and team ergonomics.

A key theme of the episode is patient engagement and behavior change. Dr. Maragliano explains how connecting oral health findings—such as bleeding points and periodontal inflammation—to broader systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline can significantly improve patient understanding and case acceptance. The discussion emphasizes moving beyond routine care toward personalized, risk-based treatment planning.

The episode also explores the limitations of the traditional six-month recall model and introduces a more individualized approach to hygiene scheduling based on each patient's risk profile. Listeners will gain practical insights into implementing adjunctive preventive therapies, including fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), hydroxyapatite, chlorhexidine, and probiotic treatments, and how to integrate these into everyday clinical workflows.

In addition, Dr. Maragliano shares real-world strategies for:

• Increasing hygiene production and efficiency without compromising care

• Structuring a high-performing hygiene team aligned with periodontal goals

• Communicating the role and limitations of SDF in caries management

• Setting clear clinical boundaries with patients while maintaining trust

• Balancing prevention, minimally invasive dentistry, and long-term outcomes

This episode is especially valuable for general dentists, hygienists, and practice owners seeking to improve periodontal outcomes, patient compliance, and practice performance through evidence-based preventive dentistry.

Key topics include:

• Guided biofilm therapy (GBT) workflow and technology

• Air polishing and subgingival biofilm removal

• Risk-based hygiene intervals vs. traditional recall

• Patient communication and case acceptance strategies

• Preventive and remineralization therapies (fluoride, SDF, hydroxyapatite)

• Hygiene-driven practice growth and profitability

• Clinical decision-making and patient boundaries in dentistry

Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com

Register for the live meeting: https://www.theelevatedgp.com/ElevationSummit

Download the Injection Molding Guide: https://www.theelevatedgp.com/IMpdf

Dr. Matt Burton, DDS is a clinician, educator, and internationally recognized speaker whose work centers on elevating the clinical precision and decision-making of the modern general dentist. Known for his articulate teaching style and clinically grounded philosophy, Dr. Burton has developed a reputation for translating complex restorative and prosthodontic principles into practical, reproducible workflows that can be implemented immediately in everyday practice.

Dr. Burton's approach to dentistry is rooted in a comprehensive, systems-based model of care, where diagnosis precedes intervention and treatment planning is guided by long-term biologic and mechanical stability rather than short-term procedural convenience. His clinical interests primarily include:

• Restorative dentistry and prosthodontics
• Occlusion and functional diagnosis
• Treatment planning for worn dentition
• Adhesive dentistry and material selection
• Interdisciplinary case management

He emphasizes that predictable outcomes are less about isolated technical execution and more about correct sequencing, risk assessment, and biomechanical understanding. This perspective resonates strongly with dentists seeking to transition from "bread-and-butter" dentistry to more comprehensive, high-level care.

Dr. Burton is widely respected for his ability to deconstruct complex topics—such as occlusion, vertical dimension, and full-mouth rehabilitation—into clear, structured frameworks. His teaching is characterized by:

• A strong emphasis on first principles
• Clear visual and conceptual models for diagnosis and planning
• Case-based learning grounded in real-world scenarios
• A focus on clinical decision-making, not just technique