“When to Treat, When to Refer: A Practical Periodontal Guide for the Dental Hygienist"

June 25, 2026 — 6:30PM – 8:30PM

Doors open at 5:00 PM– Announcements and lite fare beginning at 5:45, course presentation beginning at 6:30PM                                                                                              

IN PERSON – 2.0 CEUs

Green Pond Country Club – 3604 Farmersville Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18020-9764 

Course Description: Periodontal disease is often chronic, painless, and difficult for patients to understand until significant damage has occurred. This course will review practical periodontal findings that hygienists encounter in daily practice, including inflammation, radiographic bone loss, vertical defects, furcation involvement, recession, occlusal concerns, implant related findings, and soft tissue abnormalities. Emphasis will be placed on clinical decision making, patient communication, documentation, and knowing when nonsurgical therapy, monitoring, or periodontal referral is most appropriate.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Identify clinical and radiographic periodontal red flags that may warrant periodontal
2. Differentiate cases appropriate for nonsurgical periodontal therapy from cases requiring specialist
3. Discuss how radiographs, periodontal charting, bleeding, mobility, furcations, medical history, and prior treatment response influence periodontal decision making.
4. Improve patient communication regarding periodontal disease, referral timing, recession, soft tissue concerns, and long term

Speaker: Dr. Tom Ulichny

Dr. Thomas Ulicny is a board-certified periodontist with advanced training in periodontal surgery, dental implant therapy, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, peri-implant disease management, and LANAP laser periodontal therapy. He earned his Certificate in Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry, his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and an MBA in Health Systems Management from Stony Brook University.

Dr. Ulicny currently practices in both Pennsylvania and New York, providing comprehensive periodontal and implant care with a focus on helping patients understand and successfully manage complex periodontal conditions. He is known for his patient-centered approach, emphasizing education, communication, and collaboration with restorative dental teams to support long-term oral health outcomes.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Ulicny has been involved in professional education and has presented on topics including implant complications, periodontal diagnosis, interdisciplinary treatment planning, and patient communication. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a LANAP-trained clinician, and an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association.

PDHA would like to thank Haleon for their monetary assistance, in addition to having a table at our meeting. The personal interaction as they discuss their products is well received by our attendees. We appreciate Haleon’s continued support!

Attendance is limited. There may not be registrations available on the day of the course. You must be in attendance for the entire seminar to receive credit. NO REFUNDS! If PDHA must cancel the course, your fee will be fully refunded. While we make every effort to run courses that will count towards your license renewal, the State Board of Dentistry has the final say on what courses they will accept based on the state practice act.