News
Perimenopause and Menopause: The Role of the Oral Health Educator
On Wednesday 2 September 2026, we are hosting a free live webinar exploring the impact these hormonal changes can have on the mouth, and the important role the oral health educator (OHE) and the wider dental team can play in oral health education and prevention.
Register here to join us, and read on to find out exactly what we will cover and why this topic matters so much right now.
Why perimenopause, menopause and oral health, and why now?
Awareness of menopause and women's health has never been higher, yet the oral impact remains one of the least talked about. Falling oestrogen levels through perimenopause and menopause can affect the gums, the bone that supports the teeth, saliva flow and comfort, leaving many patients experiencing symptoms such as dry mouth, altered taste, burning mouth, and a higher risk of gum disease, often without realising these changes are linked to this stage of life.
Dentistry is decisively shifting towards prevention, and the oral health educator role sits right at the heart of that shift. An OHE is ideally placed to offer tailored advice, and open up conversations that patients may be too unsure, or too embarrassed, to start themselves. With growing recognition of the dental nurse's clinical skills and the value of nurse-led prevention, there has never been a better time to build confidence in supporting this often underserved group of patients.
About the speaker
The session is led by Melanie Pomphrett, our head oral health educator tutor, an award-winning dental hygienist who brings a wealth of experience, passion and expertise to her role as a course tutor. Melanie qualified as a dental hygienist at the University of Essex in 2015 and was named Best Hygienist at the 2020 Dentistry Awards, as well as being highly commended in the Best Hygienist category at the 2020 Oral Health Awards. In 2021 she won the BDEF Young Writers Award for her dissertation project on Direct Access.
Alongside her clinical work, Melanie holds a PGCert in Education, and an MSc in Advanced and Specialist Healthcare (Dental Professional Practice). Her dedication to education and professional development ensures an engaging, insightful and highly informative learning experience.
Webinar details and how to register
Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026
Time: 7:30pm, held live online via Zoom
Cost: Free to attend CPD: One hour of free verifiable CPD awarded
Register: Here
Places are free but limited to 300 participants, so please register early to secure your spot. We would love to see you there.
Aim
This session aims to improve your understanding of the impact perimenopause and menopause can have on oral health, enabling you to recognise common oral manifestations, provide support and promote preventative strategies for patients during this stage of life.
Learning objectives
By the end of this webinar, you should be able to:
- Describe the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause and their impact on oral health.
- Identify common oral health conditions and symptoms linked to perimenopause and menopause.
- Discuss the relationship between menopause, periodontal health and bone health, and the implications for oral health.
- Provide evidence-based oral health advice and preventative strategies to support patients experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
- Understand the role of the dental team in supporting menopausal patients, and feel confident initiating conversations about menopause and oral health.