Contents

Controlling Aerosols With Dental Extractor Technology

Portable extraoral aerosol extractors can improve the safety of oral healthcare by helping contain dental bioaerosols. By Jotham Siozon, RDH, BS, Sheryl L. Syme, RDH, MS

14th Annual Six Dental Hygienists You Want to Know

In the 14th edition of this annual feature, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene recognizes the best and the brightest in academia, clinical practice, industry, “mover and shaker,” public health, and research. By The Editors

A Dental Health Aide Therapist’s Perspective

This midlevel practitioner who works on nontribal land shares her insight into the importance of the dental therapist provider. By Kari Kuntzelman, DHAT

The Role of Vaccines in Combatting Covid-19

The development and implementation of COVID-19 vaccines are key to winning the battle against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. By John A. Molinari, PhD

A Closer Look at the AHA’s Antibiotic Prophylaxis Guidelines

In order to prevent infective endocarditis, oral health professionals need to remain up to date on the American Heart Association guidelines. By Dora-Ann Oddo, RDH, MA

Improve Patient Outcomes With Fluoride Therapies

A discussion of the characteristics, benefits, and limitations of fluoride-based therapies in the treatment of caries and dentinal hypersensitivity. By Amber Garza, RDH, BSDH, Julianna Garza, RDH, BSDH, Faizan Kabani, PhD, MBA, MHA, RDH, FAADH, Kathleen B. Muzzin, RDH, MS, Kayla Reed, RDH, MS-EDHP

A Tunneling Treatment Approach to Gingival Recession

A twofold tunneling technique can yield predictable outcomes when treating multiple recession defects. By Celine J. Cornelius Timothius, BDS, MSc, MS, MSD, Twyla Rader, LDH, MEd, Vanchit John, BDS, MDS, DDS, MSD

Professional Excellence

My December memo typically reviews the past year and highlights accomplishments and news from the previous 12 months. As I looked back at the Dimensions of Dental Hygiene issue archives for 2021, I also re-read my memo from 1 year ago, December 2020. A year like no other due to a global pandemic, we weren’t [...] By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Appropriate Compensation

Each day I am in the clinic at 7 am, treating patients between 8 am and 6 pm. The owner of my practice has stated that I cannot bill the morning meeting hours, instrument cleaning hours, and any time past 6 pm. It takes me a few hours to complete the required patient documentation so [...] By Michele P. Carr, RDH, MA, EdD

What if Teeth Could Repel Plaque?

A new, food-safe dental gel ingredient removes plaque 250% better than current toothpastes. By Peter L. Jacobsen, PhD, DDS

December 2021 Marketplace

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Water Flossing Found to be a Top Tool for Reducing Gingivitis

Research demonstrates the safety and efficacy of water flossers in maintaining oral health. By Carol A. Jahn, RDH, MS

Dental Hygienist to Lead DTA’s Board of Directors

Karen Neiner, RDH, MBA, president of Palmero Healthcare, was recently elected chair of the Board of Directors for the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA), an organization of suppliers and service providers dedicated to improving the provision of oral healthcare. By The Editors

UT Educator Receives Prestigious Award

Harold A. Henson, RDH, PhD, was honored with the 2021 University of Texas (UT) System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award in November. By The Editors