Course Overview
In this course, participants will be introduced to pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune disease that frequently presents with oral lesions. Early diagnosis and early treatment of PV are associated with improved outcomes, and dental providers are often the first-line providers in diagnosis and management. To help dental professionals become familiar with PV and the procedures required to diagnose it, this course will use case-based examples to illustrate signs and symptoms of PV and evidence-based methods to confirm diagnosis. Initiating oral care early in the disease process and referral to the appropriate specialist are key to optimal management of PV. This course will review the need for initial and ongoing oral care, along with data for the first-line treatment of PV and treatment options for relapsing or refractory disease.

 Learning objectives:
• Identify patients with oral PV   
• Determine optimal initial treatment for patients with oral PV
• Describe appropriate laboratory testing to confirm a PV diagnosis

Presenters
Donna A. Culton, MD, PhD
Joel M. Laudenbach, DMD
Rebecca A. Strong, RN, BSN

Disclaimer
The views of the presenter(s) do not necessarily represent the views of the American Dental Association.