Listen to this important, interesting, and fact filled podcast with Dr. Purnima Kumar. Dr. Kumar is not only an expert clinician and periodontist, she is an accomplished and NIH funded scientist. She has the special ability to take complex scientific stories around the pandemic, vaccines, and related topics and bring them to an accurate and clear understanding level important for our own edification, as well important for the best patient care. Tune in to get up to date on this exceptionally important podcast. Biography: Dr. Purnima Kumar is a Professor of Periodontology at The Ohio State University. She received her dental degree from Annamalai University in India, and her Masters in Periodontology and PhD in Molecular Microbiology and from The Ohio State University. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Kumar maintains an active research laboratory that is funded through the NIH and oral healthcare industry collaborations. She serves as an editor for numerous journals including the Journal of Periodontology and Microbiome. She has several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has written book-chapters in molecular microbiology and periodontology. She has also been invited to lecture at several national and international meetings on the microbial etiology of periodontitis. She presently serves as the Chair of the Continuing Education Oversight Committee for the American Academy of Periodontology and on the Council for Scientific Affairs of the American Dental Association and the Taskforce for Women in Periodontics. She is also the official spokesperson for the ADA on e-cigarettes and vaping. About the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry The mission of the AAPD is to advocate policies, guidelines and programs that promote optimal oral health and oral health care for children. The AAPD serves and represents its membership in the areas of professional development and governmental and legislative activities. The AAPD has over 10,000 members. Learn more about the AAPD at aapd.org.