The Stubborn Pocket: Evidence-Based Clinical Strategies for Non-Responsive Periodontal Sites

Event Description

Despite thorough non-surgical periodontal therapy, some sites continue to bleed, remain inflamed, or fail to respond as expected. How do we determine whether these areas require re-instrumentation, enhanced home care, adjunctive therapies, or referral?

This evidence-based webinar provides a practical clinical framework for assessing and managing persistent periodontal sites. Participants will review current evidence, identify common contributing factors, and explore instrumentation strategies and adjunctive therapies that may improve clinical outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on clinical decision-making that can be immediately applied in everyday dental hygiene practice.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of periodontal follow-up following non-surgical periodontal therapy.
• Identify contributing factors associated with non-responsive periodontal sites.
• Apply clinical strategies to manage non-responsive sites.

About the Presenter

Julie Lafitte, RDH, B.Ed., M.Ed., G.D.C.T., G.C.C.T. is a registered dental hygienist with over 20 years of clinical experience and a full-time faculty member in the Dental Hygiene Program at John Abbott College in Québec, Canada, where she teaches both clinical and didactic courses.

In addition to her teaching role, Julie serves as a reviewer for the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and is a member of the Accreditation Review Committee, contributing to accreditation activities and the advancement of dental hygiene education standards across Canada. She also serves on the Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec’s Committee on Infection Prevention and Control, where she contributes to the development of evidence-based professional standards, continuing education initiatives, and clinical resources for the profession. Julie is an active member of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) and the Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec (OHDQ).

Julie holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.), a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), as well as a Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in College Teaching. She is also a Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid Instructor.

Passionate about periodontal therapy, evidence-based practice, and dental hygiene education, Julie is committed to translating current research into practical, patient-centred clinical strategies. Whether teaching, presenting, or collaborating with colleagues, she strives to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, helping dental professionals deliver confident, evidence-informed patient care.

Moderator

Beth Parkes, RDH
Clinical Affairs Manager, Curion.

Beth will moderate the webinar, facilitate participant engagement, and assist with the question-and-answer session.