Katie L. Pondolfino

2 months ago | rdhmag.com | Katie L. Pondolfino |Jackie Sanders

Why would dental hygienists want to consider degrees beyond their associate degree? Katie Pondolfino, an adjunct professor at Empire State University who teaches community health, leadership in health care, and health-care ethics, has some answers.  In her classes she stresses dental practice management, which entails leadership, communication and management skills, and prepares her students for all stages of their career and what’s available to them, depending on their education.

Nov 7, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Katie L. Pondolfino |Jackie Sanders

Katie Pondolfino discusses the articles she wrote about sugar alcohols and natural sweeteners for RDH. She became interested in the topic when she realized patients don’t always understand what they’re consuming, or what can damage their oral health. Dental hygienists need to dive deeper into discussing nutrition and diet while they have their patient in the chair. The myriad of sugar substitutes can have an impact on oral and overall health.

Oct 7, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Katie L. Pondolfino

Editor’s note: This is part two of a two-part series. Read part one here. Natural sweeteners come from natural sources and are minimally processed. Some have calories (honey, maple syrup) while others do not (monk fruit), and they also supply some types of nutrients. Some natural sweeteners may provide health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and blood sugar. See table 1 for a breakdown of sweeteners and their oral-systemic effects.

Aug 22, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Katie L. Pondolfino

Listen to the article on our podcast!Editor's note: This is part one of a two-part series. Read part two here. With the global increase in dental caries for high-risk individuals,1 alternative sweeteners are recommended to take the place of sugar (sucrose). Although our taste buds may not be able to differentiate between sweeteners, one must consider how the body processes these sweet substitutes and whether there are any adverse oral-systemic effects.

Aug 16, 2024 | rdhmag.com | Katie L. Pondolfino

With the global increase in dental caries for high-risk individuals,1 alternative sweeteners are recommended to take the place of sugar (sucrose). Although our taste buds may not be able to differentiate between sweeteners, one must consider how the body processes these sweet substitutes and whether there are any adverse oral-systemic effects. As dental professionals, we already know the detrimental effects of sugar on oral health.