Pharmacy Podcast Network

Dental care during pregnancy is often overlooked in routine prenatal counseling, yet hormonal changes, frequent vomiting, dehydration, and acid exposure can significantly impact oral health in pregnancy. In this episode of the MaternalRx Podcast, host Dr. Danielle Plummer, PharmD speaks with Dr. Michael Duboff, DMD, about the critical importance of dental care during pregnancy and how pharmacists and healthcare providers can help prevent long-term complications. From enamel erosion caused by hyperemesis gravidarum to pregnancy gingivitis and periodontal disease, this conversation explores what happens inside the mouth during pregnancy, when tooth damage becomes irreversible, and what practical steps patients and healthcare providers can take to protect oral health. Dr. Duboff also addresses common misconceptions about the safety of dental treatment during pregnancy, including fluoride use, dental X-rays, anesthetics, and the importance of preventive dental care. The episode also highlights insurance and access issues, including how some insurance plans and Medicaid programs may expand dental coverage during pregnancy, an important opportunity for patients to receive needed care. This episode emphasizes the critical role pharmacists can play in maternal health education, early identification of oral health risks, and patient counseling. You'll Learn: • How repeated gastric acid exposure from vomiting can weaken tooth enamel during pregnancy • Why brushing immediately after vomiting can worsen enamel erosion • Safe oral care strategies for pregnant patients with severe nausea or hyperemesis gravidarum • What pregnancy gingivitis is and why hormonal changes increase gum inflammation and bleeding • How fluoride varnish and high-fluoride toothpaste help protect enamel during pregnancy • Why dental cleanings every 3 months may benefit pregnant patients • The link between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight • Why dental treatment—including X-rays and local anesthetics—is generally safe during pregnancy • Restorative treatment options for enamel erosion and tooth decay, including fillings, crowns, and bonding • How insurance coverage and Medicaid policies may provide expanded dental benefits during pregnancy • The important role pharmacists can play in oral health counseling for pregnant patients Key Clinical Takeaways 1. Gastric Acid Damages Tooth Enamel Frequent vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid, which erodes enamel and exposes the underlying dentin, increasing the risk of decay and sensitivity. 2. Do NOT Brush Immediately After Vomiting Brushing immediately after vomiting can scrub away weakened enamel. Instead: Rinse with water or a baking soda solution Wait about 30 minutes before brushing 3. Pregnancy Increases Risk of Gingivitis Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase gum inflammation and bleeding, making good oral hygiene and professional cleanings even more important. 4. Dental Care During Pregnancy Is Safe Preventive care and many dental treatments—including dental X-rays with shielding and local anesthetics—are considered safe, particularly during the second trimester. 5. Preventive Care Is Essential Regular dental visits, fluoride treatments, and proper oral hygiene can help prevent irreversible enamel damage and periodontal disease. 6. Insurance Coverage May Improve During Pregnancy Some insurance plans and Medicaid programs expand dental coverage for pregnant patients, providing an important opportunity to receive preventive care and necessary dental treatment. Practical Counseling Tips for Pharmacists Pharmacists can support pregnant patients by recommending: • Rinsing with water or baking soda solution after vomiting • Waiting 30 minutes before brushing teeth • Using fluoride toothpaste or prescription high-fluoride toothpaste if appropriate • Maintaining hydration whenever possible • Scheduling regular dental visits during pregnancy • Seeking evaluation for bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, or oral pain Because pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals, they play an important role in identifying oral health risks early and encouraging patients to seek dental care. Connect With Our Guests Dr. Michael Duboff, DMD Practice: AXIS Dental – Las Vegas Email: SmileDesignersLV@yahoo.com Dr. Danielle Plummer, PharmD Website: www.Obstet-Rx.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer/

Welcome to PPN – The Precision Medicine Pharmacist, the podcast where science, innovation, and collaboration are redefining patient care. We are kicking off a special two-part series titled Precision Psychiatry in Practice – A Pharmacist–Physician Collaboration. In this series, we explore how precision medicine is reshaping mental health treatment — and what becomes possible when pharmacists and psychiatrists work together with shared clinical goals. Today’s episode, The New Frontier: How Pharmacists and Psychiatrists Are Teaming Up for Precision Mental Health, focuses on how this collaboration began — the challenges that inspired it, the early conversations that shaped it, and the practical steps taken to bring pharmacogenomics into psychiatric care. Joining us is Dr. Saba Arshad, clinical pharmacist, founder of Med DNA Health, and a strong advocate for integrating pharmacogenomic insight into mental health treatment. We will also hear from Dr. Afshan Khan, psychiatrist and clinical partner in this model of care, as we explore how their professional paths aligned to create something new. In this first episode, we will lay the foundation — examining the “why” behind precision psychiatry and the systems that had to evolve to support it. Then, in part two, Dr. Khan will join us more extensively as we move from framework to real-world impact, sharing patient cases, clinical outcomes, and lessons learned from implementing precision medicine in practice.

Welcome back to season 9! We’re kicking it off with my first powerhouse guest, whose mission is to bring clarity, safety, and evidence-based understanding to hyperbaric oxygen therapy and integrative wellness. There is a growing wave of interest in longevity and recovery therapies, but also a lot of confusion and misinformation. She breaks down the science (and safety) of one of the most powerful, foundational tools we have for reducing inflammation, accelerating healing, and supporting long-term health.  Nicole Garrett is the CEO of Under Pressure Hyperbarics, a premier hyperbaric oxygen therapy center in Beverly Hills recognized for its clinical-grade safety standards and results-driven approach to wellness. With nearly two decades of experience in hyperbaric medicine, her career began as a commercial diver and dive medic, where she first learned the life-saving applications of pressure and oxygen in extreme environments. Since then, Nicole has helped open and operate HBOT centers across the country and has become a trusted leader in the field. Her work bridges the gap between medical-grade hyperbaric therapy and modern holistic wellness, offering patients a safe and effective path to healing, recovery, and long-term vitality. Nicole is especially passionate about educating clinicians, patients, and the wellness community on the science, indications, and proper protocols behind hyperbaric therapy. Today, she leads a multidisciplinary team at Under Pressure Hyperbarics that supports surgical recovery, sports performance, chronic inflammation, and overall health optimization using hospital-grade chambers and evidence-aligned treatment plans. Connect with Nicole via: Email: nicole@underpressure.com  Website: Under Pressure Hyperbarics FB: Under Pressure Hyperbarics IG: @underpressurehyperbarics Linked In: Under Pressure Hyperbarics

Welcome to this special three-part press coverage series from the Pharmacy Podcast Network, recorded on location at the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Annual Conference, held February 20th through the 22nd at the Hilton Harrisburg. This series is proudly sponsored by Value Drug Company and the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network — PPCN — as they celebrate their 10th anniversary of advancing pharmacist-led patient care across the Commonwealth.   In this episode we hear from: Margie Lydon - Value Drug Company Darren Mensch, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP Hayleigh Monroe - P4 Pharmacy Student Mayank (Dr. Mak) Amin, PharmD, RPh, MBA  Todd Laser - Value Drug Company Jonathan Adly - TJM Labs  Jennifer (Pekich) Urso

Welcome to another episode of TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy, where we break down the most important developments impacting the pharmacy profession. This week’s show features leaders from across community pharmacy, health systems, healthcare advocacy, and international patient engagement. From PBM reform to patient-centered care and health system growth in Western Pennsylvania, this episode brings together voices shaping the future of pharmacy. Sponsored by Sykes & Company, P.A. Accounting, tax strategy, and advisory services dedicated exclusively to independent pharmacy operators. Segment 1 Austin Murray Communications and Marketing Director – Sykes & Company, P.A. We kick off TWIRx with Austin Murray from Sykes & Company, discussing the NCPA Consumer Marketing Campaign designed to educate the public about the value of community pharmacies. Austin shares insights on: • The importance of telling the community pharmacy story directly to consumers • Why independent pharmacies remain essential healthcare access points • The evolving state of independent pharmacy nationwide • Continued momentum around PBM Reform • Strategic accounting and tax advantages pharmacy operators should understand in today’s challenging reimbursement environment Austin also explains how pharmacy-focused accounting firms like Sykes & Company help owners navigate reimbursement pressure, tax planning, and business strategy. Segment 2 Mark Duman Pharmacy 50 Award Winner – United Kingdom International healthcare thought leader Mark Duman joins TWIRx to discuss one of the most important principles in healthcare transformation: The patient must come first. Mark shares his perspective on: • Why healthcare systems must remain patient-centered • How pharmacy can lead the way in improving patient outcomes • Lessons learned from patient engagement initiatives in the UK healthcare system • Why meaningful healthcare innovation always begins by focusing on the patient experience Mark emphasizes that when healthcare professionals keep the patient as the constant focus, better pharmacy care and stronger health systems follow. Segment 3 Dr. Laura Mark, PharmD Vice President of Pharmacy – Allegheny Health Network Next, we welcome Dr. Laura Mark, Vice President of Pharmacy at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), who shares exciting news about new pharmacy operations facilities recently built in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Todd and Laura also reflect on their shared roots growing up in Butler County, while discussing how AHN is investing in the future of pharmacy. Topics include: • The new pharmacy operations infrastructure in Western Pennsylvania • How AHN is expanding pharmacy services across the Greater Pittsburgh region • The role of health system pharmacy in improving access to care • Strategic positioning for future healthcare growth and integration AHN continues to strengthen its pharmacy operations as a key component of coordinated patient care throughout the region. Segment 4 Eric Pusey Independent Pharmacy Owner – Pennsylvania Closing out this week’s episode, pharmacy owner Eric Pusey joins TWIRx to discuss the latest updates on PBM Reform in Pennsylvania. In 2024, Pennsylvania enacted Act 77, a landmark law aimed at increasing oversight and fairness in pharmacy benefit management. Eric explains how the law: • Grants new regulatory authority to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department • Restricts PBM patient steering to pharmacies owned or affiliated with benefit managers • Improves transparency requirements for PBM operations • Establishes payment protections intended to level the playing field for community pharmacies Patient steering practices have long limited competition and reduced patient choice. Eric shares why these reforms represent an important step toward protecting both patients and independent pharmacy providers across the Commonwealth. Listen & Subscribe Stay informed on the business, policy, and innovation shaping the pharmacy profession. Follow TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, featuring conversations with the leaders and advocates advancing pharmacy practice.

Dr. Sean Kim, PharmD and VP of Practice & Professional Development at CPhA, focuses on PBM policy and pharmacy practice. Susan Bonilla, CEO of CPhA and former legislator, led SB 41 for PBM transparency. They discuss California’s PBM reform wins, SB 41 implementation and enforcement, protections for pharmacies, transparency measures, network bundling pressures, and a vision for pharmacies as medication management hubs.

In this edition of Essential, we look at two major issues facing pharmacy compounding. First is a state-by-state effort by pharma companies to pass laws restricting compounding, and second is a cryptic statement from the FDA about  possible limitations on compounding with GLP-1 ingredients. They’re both Very Big Deals for pharmacists across the country. Links FDA statement on GLP-1 drugs: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-intends-take-action-against-non-fda-approved-glp-1-drugs … and APC’s response: https://a4pc.org/news/apc-responds-to-fdas-glp-1-statement  Stay up to date on our state Compounding Defense Initiative: compounding.com  Join APC today: https://a4pc.org/membership  Find us on social: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a4pcrx/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a4pcrx/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a4pcrx/

Dr. Dae Lee, pharmacist-attorney representing independent pharmacies and plan sponsors, unpacks major LTC pharmacy shifts. He breaks down the IRA moving from theory to practice. He explains Medicare’s Maximum Fair Price, payment timing risks from the Medicare Transaction Facilitator, and the administrative burdens of claims reconciliation. He outlines looming reimbursement compression and tactical advocacy steps for owners.

Richard Ferris, PantherRx clinical leader focused on rare disease care coordination. Dr. Lisa Faast, founder of DiversifyRx and organizer helping independents adopt tech and boost profits. They discuss Pharmacy Profit Summit strategies for automation, AI, diversified revenue, and technician empowerment. Then they cover Rare Disease Day research on communication gaps, care fragmentation, and tech solutions for personalized specialty care.

Many pharmacy owners invest in expensive technology but fail to fully utilize the system’s secondary and valuable features. This is a costly mistake!  It leaves significant operational efficiencies and profit opportunities unrealized. This program also invites managers to carefully review their tech vendor invoices to ensure new charges have not been added or that fees have not been quietly increased for features in their software agreements. Kevin Minassian, President of DataScan, notes his company provides a wide range of profit-enhancing services at no additional cost while competitors often add additional fees. Visit www.datascanpharmacy.com for more information.