Community Conversation
The Missing Piece of Healthcare: Why Oral Health Matters
Oral health is often treated separately from the rest of healthcare, despite its significant impact on overall health and quality of life. This presentation will explore the relationship between oral health and common medical conditions seen in older adults, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and medication-related dry mouth. Participants will learn how to recognize potential oral health concerns, understand when dental issues may be contributing to broader health challenges, and identify opportunities for advocacy and appropriate referral.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify at least three systemic health conditions that may be affected by oral health status in older adults.
- Recognize common signs and symptoms of oral health problems that may warrant further evaluation or referral.
- Describe the advocate’s role in supporting communication, care coordination, and access to appropriate dental res
About The Speaker –
Marissa Brubaker
Marissa Brubaker, BCPA, RDH, is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate and Registered Dental Hygienist with nearly two decades of experience spanning clinical dentistry, senior care, insurance, and patient advocacy. She is the founder of Dental Advocacy Support Services, an independent advocacy practice based in southern New Hampshire.
Marissa has worked in private practice, mobile dentistry, Medicare-focused programs, and advocacy settings, helping individuals and families navigate complex dental decisions. Her work focuses on improving understanding of treatment options, addressing insurance and financial concerns, and supporting informed decision-making. She has a particular interest in older adults, cognitive decline, and the challenges families face when coordinating healthcare across multiple providers.
Drawing on both clinical and advocacy experience, Marissa emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall health and works to help patients, caregivers, and professionals recognize when dental issues may be contributing to broader health concerns.