About Sherri

Sherri Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH has 38 years of experience in dentistry, 28 spent in academia. In 2014 she retired as associate professor from Southern Illinois University Dental Hygiene Program where she taught oral pathology, community oral health, multicultural dental hygiene and advanced periodontics clinic. Her research concentration was in oral pathology, migrant farm worker oral health, and challenges of other underserved groups, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications. A Pathology Fellow and approved speaker of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Sherri enjoys integrating her expertise from years of teaching and research into CE courses to empower hygienists in the delivery of care. Ms. Lukes is a Past President of the Illinois Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Community service projects include biannual mission trips to central Mexico, where accompanied by SIU dental hygiene students, she provides oral health care in an orphanage and remote villages. She received Community Service, Teacher of the Year, and Research Paper of the Year awards while at SIU, was named an Oral Health Champion by the IFLOSS Coalition and the Illinois Department of Public Health and is a past recipient of the Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction.

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Topical Courses Offered

Customized to your needs, these comprehensive courses can be scheduled for 2-6 hours in length.


What are we really looking for? oral pathology cases and concepts

This course is an overview of oral pathologic conditions from Ms. Lukes’ own personal collection of lesion images accumulated over 38 years as a dental hygienist and a 28-year teaching career.

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Oral pathology and the assessment process: it’s risky business

This course will review the assessment portion of the dental hygiene process of care, specifically in relation to oral pathology and lesion detection. The range of descriptors for lesions and anomalies will be presented with lesion examples for each descriptor.

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Cradle to grave: oral pathology through the lifespan

This course is an overview of oral pathologic conditions affecting children, adults, and geriatric clients. It includes both common and uncommon conditions presented in a fun, engaging manner.

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Going viral: Oral manifestations of viral diseases

Many viruses affecting the US population have intra- and extra-oral manifestations. This session will be an evidence-based presentation of various viral infections that produce symptoms in and around the oral cavity, including…

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The many faces of oral cancer, oral pathology and YOU, the missing link

The astute dental professional can recognize the “face” of oral cancer as well as an array of other pathologies affecting the oral cavity. A thorough intra/extra-oral exam is paramount to screen for oral cancer as well as other oral diseases.

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From the inside out: Where perio-systemic “Links” with oral pathology

The commitment to an interdisciplinary approach to care positions dental professionals as key stakeholders in maintaining overall health for patients. From heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis, an understanding of the perio-systemic link is vital in the responsibility to assist patients in management of chronic illness.

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I see your true colors shining through: cultural competence for the dental professional

In a country of ever-increasing diversity, clinicians must be equipped to interact with clients of varied cultural backgrounds. Those delivering effective, empathetic health care must be cognizant of the values, beliefs and attitudes toward health that people from various populations hold.

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You’re not getting older, you’re getting BETTER: treating the older adult dental patient

As the US population ages, more and more older adult patients are retaining their natural teeth and presenting for care in our dental offices. Because this special population has many medical and dental issues, dental professionals must stay abreast of conditions/pathologies these patients experience, to provide the best care possible.

Next Steps…

Use this preliminary form to tell us about your upcoming opportunity.

Invite Sherri to Speak