From Sore to Spore with Dr. Kathleen Higgins

SUMMARY:

This course reviews common viral, bacterial, and fungal infections of the

oral cavity, highlighting clinical signs, contributing factors, diagnostic

considerations, and current evidence-based management to support

optimal patient care in dental hygiene practice.

OBJECTIVES:

• Identify the clinical manifestations of common viral, bacterial,

and fungal infections affecting the oral cavity.

• Explain the local and systemic factors that predispose patients to opportunistic infections.

• Formulate a well-supported differential diagnosis using pertinent

findings from a comprehensive head and neck examination.

• Determine appropriate indications for referral, further diagnostic testing, or

biopsy in suspected infectious lesions Interpret histopathologic and microbiologic

findings relevant to oral infectious diseases to support accurate diagnosis.

Integrate current evidence-based management recommendations for oral

infections in relation to clinical practice and improved patient outcomes.

OUR SPEAKER:

Kathleen Higgins, DDS, MS

Dr. Higgins is originally from the Washington, DC area and completed

her undergraduate, masters, and doctorate education in Virginia. Upon

graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry

in 2017 she pursued oral pathology residency training at New York

Presbyterian Queens. During residency she reviewed countless oral

biopsies, treated oral medicine patients, as well as taught students,

residents, and medical colleagues. She went on to complete a Head

and Neck Pathology Fellowship at the University of Chicago, where she participated in

both an active oral pathology biopsy service as well as the head and neck surgical

pathology service that included examination and review of large head and neck cancer

cases.

Date: October 14th, 2025

Time: 5:30PM to 7:30P’M

Location: Oklahoma Dental Implants & Oral Surgery 201 S Sara Rd, Mustang, OK 73064, Suite #160

Contact Breanna Horn with questions or if you have a change in plans

Email: breanna.horn@oklahomadios.com

Cell: 580.677.0843