The Oral and Systemic Health Implications of Vaping

This course is designed to educate healthcare practitioners on the rapidly growing vaping phenomenon and its impact on both oral and systemic health. Participants will explore the chemical composition of vaping products, their harmful effects on the body, and the specific risks they pose to oral health. In addition, the course will cover the diagnostic challenges faced when treating patients with vaping-related illnesses, particularly EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury) during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of this course, clinicians will gain practical strategies for managing and guiding patients who use vaping products, with an emphasis on prevention and cessation.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Discuss the systemic harms associated with the ingredients in vaping products.
• List the risk factors for oral disease related to vaping.
• Examine the diagnostic challenge of EVALI during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Describe the role of an oral health professional in prevention and cessation of electronic cigarette use (EC) use.

Suzanne is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, with an impressive 25-year career in the healthcare industry. She holds a BSDH degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and an MSDH degree from Old Dominion University. 
Her expertise spans dental assisting, nonsurgical periodontal therapy, practice management, pharmacology, special needs, emergency medical care, community and public health disparity and social justice, course design, and distance education. She lectures for health science programs and professional organizations throughout Maryland and practices clinical dental hygiene in Maryland and Washington DC.