Contents

Oral Irrigation for Chronic Periodontitis

While some oral health professionals are wary of recommending oral irrigation for the management of chronic periodontitis, evidence demonstrates it is an effective therapy in reducing inflammation. By Timothy J. Hempton, DDS

Connecting with Millennial Patients

Oral health professionals who recognize generational traits may be more successful in achieving patient adherence. By Lorie Speer, RDH, MSDH

Innovation in Tooth Whitening

The continuous advances in whitening materials and techniques reflect the efforts of oral health professionals and industry toward preserving tooth structure, minimizing dentinal hypersensitivity, and enhancing esthetics. By So Ran Kwon, DDS, MS, PhD, MS

Surface Disinfection Strategies

The following protocols will help ensure effective asepsis for clinical surfaces and equipment. By Eve J. Cuny, BA, MS

An Interprofessional Approach to Ergonomics

A collaboration between occupational therapy and dental hygiene departments increased awareness of the common pitfalls that lead to musculoskeletal disorders in the dental setting. By Claudia Turcotte, CDA, RDH, MSDH, MSOSH, Martha J. Sanders, PhD, MSOSH, OTR/L, CPE, Patricia A. Johnson, RDH, MS

Dietary Influence on Inflammation

Consuming a Middle Eastern diet could reduce systemic and periodontal inflammation compared with a Western diet. By Rana Alhendi, BSDH, Chaya Morris, RDH, BS, Emily R. Holt, MHA, RDH, CDA, EFDA

Cultivating Cultural Competency in the Dental Setting

With an increasingly diverse population, oral health professionals need to be able to communicate effectively with all types of patients. By Beth Monnin, RDH, MSEd

Managing Orofacial Pain

Oral health professionals should be prepared to address chronic idiopathic or dysfunctional orofacial pain conditions. By Vandana Singh, BDS, MMSC, Reid Friesen, DDS, Pallavi Parashar, BDS, DDS, FRCD(C)

Treating the Transgender Patient

Following are strategies to support oral health professionals in their efforts to meet the needs of this patient population and to identify barriers to care. By Lisa B. Stefanou, RDH, MPH, Andrea Beall, RDH, EdD, Harold Jennings, RDH, MA

Precision Medicine

You could make a resolution to join 1 million fellow citizens to help determine the future of medicine and oral health care. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Locally Delivered Antibiotics and Periodontal Maintenance

While treating a periodontal maintenance patient, a substitute dental hygienist suggested that locally delivered antibiotics (LDA) should not be placed without first performing scaling and root planing. This patient had undergone scaling and root planing a year ago but was just scheduled for maintenance. What is the correct protocol? By Stacy Matsuda, RDH, BS, MS

January 2018 Marketplace

Marketplace Excerpt: A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Butler Monsterz Chairside Line from Sunstar

Supporting Smiles in Pediatric Patients. By Sunstar

Researchers Develop Salivary Diagnostics for Identifying Zika

A study in the Journal of Dental Research, "Postnatal Identification of Zika Virus Peptides From Saliva," suggests there may be a quick and cost-effective salivary test for the Zika virus. By The Editors

Dental Hygiene Professor Named to Texas State Board of Dental Examiners

Margo Y. Melchor, RDH, BSDH, MEd, EdD, associate professor in the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene and community outreach director at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry has been appointed to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. By The Editors

Anishinabek Dental Hygiene Clinic Receives ‘New Business’ of the Year Award

Desiree Morriseau-Shields, RDH, founder of the Anishinabek Dental Hygiene Clinic, was presented with the "New Business of the Year" Award during the 27th Annual Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund Business Awards in Thunder Bay, Canada. By The Editors