Download Jacob Tazik

Jacob Tazik
Dental Medicine – 17th and Chew
Dr. Charles Incalcaterra D.M.D.
Summary of Experience
Over the past eight weeks I have gained a wealth of knowledge. This newly found
knowledge will ultimately help me decide what profession I want to pursue in the upcoming
years. During my stay at the dental clinic in Allentown I have met eight residents from various
dental schools and backgrounds. These residents all had unique experiences while pursuing their
own careers, and I was very fortunate that the residents shared their experiences with me. I was
told about the differences between dentals schools and, more importantly, what to expect upon
entering dental school. These experiences that the residents shared with me are by the far the
most valuable information given to me over the past eight weeks. Their experiences have given
me confidence that I too can accomplish my career goals. Along with that confidence I have
developed a new sense of excitement. I am excited to apply to dental schools and, once there, I
am excited to begin learning about the profession in detail.
Along with the experiences shared by the residents, I also learned about various
procedures that general dentists perform on a regular basis. This will undoubtedly provide me
with a great base of knowledge for entering dental school. All in all, I could not think of a more
productive way to spend my summer break.
Summary of Research
Periodontal diseases are those diseases that affect the tissues that surround and hold the
teeth in place. The most common types of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a more mild form of periodontal disease, but if left untreated it can develop into
periodontitis. Periodontitis is a destructive form of periodontal disease that affects the
periodontal tissue and can resulting in bone and tooth loss. Periodontal diseases are caused by
microorganisms that adhere to the teeth and surrounding tissues. Now periodontal disease is
considered the sixth leading complication associated with diabetes mellitus. There is rising
concern for diabetics that develop periodontal disease because of the bi-directional relationship
between the two.
Diabetics are more at risk for developing periodontal disease because blood flow is
reduced to the periodontal tissues. This lack of blood flow also reduces the immune response to
infection which allows unmanaged periodontal disease to flourish. If periodontal disease is
allowed to fester it could eventually develop into periodontitis which will result in bone loss
along with tooth loss. This will cause systemic inflammation of the periodontal tissue which can
enhance insulin resistance and ultimately poor glycemic control. This means that the relationship
between diabetes and periodontal disease is bi-directional. Each disease enhances the progression
and advancement of the other. For this reason it is exceedingly important for diabetics to monitor
and maintain their oral health.
However, studies have shown that if periodontal health is maintained, diabetics can have
significantly less complications that are associated with periodontal diseases. If periodontal
diseases are kept under control, the patients’ insulin resistance will remain normal and their
glycemic control will be better. But in order for this to happen, accessible dental care must be
provided for diabetes even if they lack dental insurance. For a diabetic, taking care of their oral
health will greatly improve their overall health. This is why dental care must be provided for
those in need.