ADEA eLearn
Mind & Mouth: Caring for Oral Health in Patients with Cognitive Decline
Includes a Live Web Event on 09/17/2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
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The Pulse of Progress: Legacy Builders in Oral Health Speaker Series centers the voices and experiences of speakers from underserved communities and those who actively advocate for improving care for underserved populations. The series highlights leaders who have navigated systemic barriers within the oral health field and are working to expand access, equity and representation in dentistry.
Despite ongoing progress in the profession, disparities persist in workforce representation and access to oral health care. These challenges are often driven by structural factors such as geographic and economic limitations, gaps in educational access and inequities in care delivery. This series brings these realities to the forefront by highlighting speakers who are not only impacted by these issues but are also leading efforts to address them.
Through candid discussions, shared experiences and expert perspectives, the series fosters meaningful dialogue around improving oral health outcomes and reducing disparities in oral health outcomes. It aims to build community, illuminate pathways into the profession for underserved groups and inspire continued advocacy and leadership focused on improving outcomes for all.
This webinar explores the unique oral health challenges faced by patients with dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Participants will learn practical, patient-centered strategies to improve communication, support daily oral hygiene and deliver compassionate, effective care across disease stages. Emphasis is placed on caregiver collaboration and adapting clinical approaches to enhance patient comfort and outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe common oral health challenges associated with dementia and cognitive decline,
- Apply patient-centered communication strategies for individuals at different stages of cognitive impairment,
- Demonstrate techniques to support daily oral hygiene in patients with reduced cognitive function,
- Collaborate effectively with caregivers to improve oral health outcomes and
- Adapt clinical approaches to enhance comfort, safety and quality of care.
Original Release Date: September 17, 2026
Expiration Date: September 17, 2029
Questions? Contact learn@adea.org
Teaching Method: Lecture
Disclaimer
The purpose of this program is to educate and inform. Information provided in this program is not a substitute for professional care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests at this presentation express their own experience, opinions and conclusions, which do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or any organization or group with whom they may be affiliated. Expressed viewpoints and opinions by speaker(s), presenter(s), guest(s) and/or facilitator(s) are also not those of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), ADEA staff or the ADEA Board of Directors. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an endorsement by ADEA.
CE Information
ADEA is an ADA CERP recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental 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 continuing education (CE) provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ada.org.
ADEA designates this activity for 1.5 continuing education credit.
CE credit is awarded for overall participation in the ADEA eLearn webinar “Mind & Mouth: Caring for Oral Health in Patients with Cognitive Decline.”
All speakers agree they do not have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.
Sophia Alam, M.P.H. (Moderator)
Program Manager for Faculty Engagement and Success
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
Sophia Alam is the Program Manager for Faculty Engagement and Success at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In this role, Sophia supports ADEA initiatives that enhance belonging and uphold an inclusive, equitable culture in academic dentistry.
Sophia holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health from Baylor University and a B.I.S. in Healthcare Management from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is passionate about advancing health equity, strengthening professional pipelines and creating learning environments where people and organizations can thrive.
Speaker agrees that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.
Krystal Afzalzada, RDH, CDA II, B.Ed., M.Ed
Registered Dental Hygienist, Professor, and Speaker
Durham College
Krystal Afzalzada, RDH, CDA II, B.Ed., M.Ed., is a registered dental hygienist, professor, and speaker. With more than 20 years of experience in dentistry, she is passionate about helping dental hygienists confidently support healthy aging through oral healthcare.
As a post-secondary educator and continuing education presenter, Krystal develops practical, evidence-informed education that bridges oral health, cognition, and clinical practice. Her work focuses on healthy aging, cognitive wellness, dementia-informed care, and the oral-systemic connection, equipping dental professionals with realistic strategies they can immediately apply in practice.
Known for her engaging and practical teaching style, Krystal combines current evidence, clinical experience, and real-world application to help dental hygienists recognize change, adapt care with confidence, and support oral health, independence, and quality of life for aging patients. Her drive is to empower dental professionals to become confident leaders in caring for an aging population.
Speaker agrees they do not have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.
Technological Assistance
For technological assistance, please reach out to the ADEA eLearn team at learn@adea.org.
Content Questions
For questions related to the content or educational materials, please reach out to the ADEA eLearn team at learn@adea.org.
Membership Assistance
For membership related questions (e.g. login issues, password reset, etc.), please reach out to the ADEA membership team at membership@adea.org.
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