2023 AAOM Schedule | Day 2 | Thursday, May 4

Plenary I: Science, No Longer Fiction: Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Oral Medicine

Moderators: Dr. David Dean and Dr. Ahmed Sultan

From Machine Learning to Precision Medicine

Faculty: Derek K. Smith DDS, MPH, PhD

This lecture discusses the use of “Big Data” and “Artificial Intelligence” in clinical research and describes their potential impact on patient care. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Define “Big Data” and “Artificial Intelligence” and describe their utility in clinical research.
2. Describe current resources in data science and how they can be used by clinicians and researchers to enhance patient care.
3. Examine “real world” applications of data science in oral medicine and dentistry.

Artificially Intelligent Medical Record and Automated Diagnosis System in Orofacial Pain

Faculty: Glenn Clark, DDS, MS

Automating the journey from data collection to diagnoses has the potential to improve standards of care by providing fast and reliable predictions. This talk explores the application of artificial intelligence in the treatment of orofacial pain using data-driven diagnostic algorithms.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and its applicability in the creation of diagnostic algorithms.
2. Summarize the benefits and potential pitfalls in using artificial intelligence in patient care.
3. Explore the utilization of artificial intelligence in orofacial pain.  

Jonathan Ship Lecture: Gene Therapy for Radiation-induced Salivary Gland Hypofunction

Moderator: Tom Sollecito

This lecture will review the impact of radiation on the salivary glands in head and neck cancer patients.  The role of gene therapy and the results of a recent multi-center phase I study will be reviewed.  

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the impact of radiation on salivary function and xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.
2. Characterize the use of gene therapy in the management of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction.
3. Summarize the outcomes of a phase I study using adeno-associated viral transfer of aquaporin-1 gene for radiation-induced salivary hypofunction.

ADA and AAOM: Support, Partnership and Advocacy (20-minute lecture; 10-minute Q&A)

Moderators: Arwa Farag

This talk sheds light on the vision and mission of the American Dental Association (ADA) to empower the specialty of oral medicine and assist its progression toward optimal oral care for all patients.

Learning Objectives:

1. Appreciate the ADA’s mission to support the advancement of Oral Medicine as a specialty.
2. Understand how the ADA’s oral health advocacy can positively affect care for Oral Medicine patients.
3. Be aware of existing opportunities to increase visibility and eliminate practice hurdles in clinical oral medicine practice.

OM Practice Session I: Controversy in Oral Medicine Practice 

Faculty: Dharti Patel, DMD, FDS RCS (Ed), ND, MSOM, DAcHM.;Brian E McGeeney, MD, MPH, MBA

Moderators: Dr. Jennifer Frustino and Dr. David Ojeda

Acupuncture in Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain: Unleashing the debate: Alternative medicine, specifically acupuncture, is constantly evolving as a scientifically accepted therapy with the potential to complement Western medicine. Proponents are convinced of its therapeutic efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Opponents cite prevalent knowledge gaps in literature raising uncertainty regarding its place in clinical practice. This session will highlight the scientific evidence for both opposing viewpoints continuing the longstanding debate regarding acupuncture’s validity as a therapeutic intervention.  

Learning objectives:  

1. Explain the scientific basis and clinical utility of acupuncture in oral medicine and orofacial pain practices.
2. Summarize the growing scientific literature supporting the efficacy and safety of acupuncture.
3. Appreciate the antagonistic viewpoint opposing the use of acupuncture in clinical practice.