General Membership Meeting: Identifying Eating Disorders in Dental Practice – 4/10/25

Dentists are often the first to see and identify eating disorders in their patients. There is a large stigma about these common illnesses and often patients are not seeking help out of either shame or ignorance. As a dentist, there may be a strong connection with patients and their families that has occurred over time due to regular visits. This allows dentists a chance to educate individuals if it appears from the exam that an Eating Disorder is affecting oral health and to help prevent further destruction . This talk will give an overview of different types of eating disorders and their prevalence in populations. We will then further explore how these illnesses present in the oral cavity and what to ask in the history if suspicions arise. Finally we will discuss how to bring this up to patients and families in non- threating ways so that they can pursue treatment.

Objectives:

1. Educate dentists as to the prevalence and severity of eating disorders in the community and their patient population

2. Discuss dental signs and symptoms that might suggest a potential eating disorder

3. Provide different strategies to intervene with patients or families if there is suggestion of a potential eating disorder

Biography:

 Graduated from Loyola University School of Dentistry, Dr. Anna Orland has maintained a Private Practice from 1989 to today. Dr. Orland currently serves as a Clinical Instructor/Faculty at University of Illinois College of Dentistry. She has been a Illinois State Dental Society Delegate for many years and is currently Illinois Dental Society Trustee for the state 2024- 2027. Dr. Orland has been an active member of the West Suburban Dental Society since 1989 and served in multiple leadership positions, including as President. Dr. Orland was recognized for her contributions to the progress of the dental profession by the Pierre Fauchard Academy in 2024 and was named Wheaton Citizen of the year in 2018.

Anna has always been very involved with community service and commitment to educating the public and dentists about Eating disorders awareness. She has been a
board member of ANAD for 13 years. She has lectured on this topic at National Lewis University. She has been involved with educating children on dental health for many
years as part of the Wrigley Foundation Grant Program, as well as being a volunteer at the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Clinic for many years.

Tonight she will be discussing an over view of eating disorders and how practicing dentists can identify and help to encourage collaboration and recovery for patients suffering with these disorders.