Contents

Caries Classification

Effectively classifying caries lesions and implementing nonsurgical therapies, such as fluoride usage, can help reduce the damage done by tooth decay. By Diana Macri, RDH, BSDH, MSEd, Annie Chitlall, RDH, BS, MHS

The Role of Nicotine in Caries Risk and Development

Research demonstrates a direct relationship between smoking and Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation that raises the risk for dental caries. By Youstina S. Beshay, BS, Richard L. Gregory, PhD

Troubleshooting Instrumentation of Furcations, Concavities, and Depressions

The use of site-specific ultrasonic inserts/tips can help improve the success of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. By Kristel Caganap, RDH, MSDH, Joan Beleno Sanchez, RDH, BSDH, BAS, Michaela Nguyen, RDH, BSDH, MS

Topical Anesthetics for Dental Hygiene Procedures

Alternative pain control modalities offer soft tissue anesthesia, providing clinicians with additional options. By Kathryn Bell, RDH, EPDH, MS

Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoid Use

Oral health professionals need to be aware of the systemic and oral health effects of the substances in this class of drugs. By Susan Davide, RDH, MS, MSEd

Tattoos in the Dental Setting

Visible tattoos on oral health professionals can impact patients’ perception of care. By Susan Lynn Tolle, BSDH, MS, Kathryn R. Search, RDH, BSDH, MS, Amanda B. Verissimo, RDH, MS

CE Sponsored by Colgate in Partnership with the American Academy of Periodontology: Effects of Aging on Periodontal Health

The cumulative effects of periodontal diseases make it difficult to distinguish long standing disease from age related incidence of disease. By Sivaraman Prakasam, BDS, MSD, PhD

A Closer Look at Gingival Recession

While not every case of recession requires treatment, evaluating etiology and precipitating factors will help clinicians determine the need for a therapeutic solution. By Keerthana Satheesh, DDS, MS

The Dental Drive Campaign

The Dental Drive campaign enables us to be a part of this global effort, and sounds like a perfect match for dental hygiene. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Addressing Precavitated Lesions in Toddlers

I want to give a child the best chance of reversing the lesions with fluoride but I am concerned about exposing her to too much fluoride. What is the correct protocol? By Durinda Mattana, RDH, BSDH, MS

Your Marketplace—July 2017

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Product Profile: Duraflor® Ultra™ 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish by Medicom

Varnish Provides Fast Fluoride Release. By The Editors

Product Profile: Interproximal Cleaning Solutions by GUM® Brand

At-Home Interproximal Care Compliance. By Sunstar

Product Profile: OraCoat® XyliMelts®

Discs Provide Dry Mouth Relief. By The Editors

Resurge® Ultrasonic Cleaner Family by Dentsply Sirona

Ultrasonic Cleaner Offers High Capacity and Flexibility. By Dentsply Sirona

Dimensions Board Member Co-Edits New Book

Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, RDH, PhD, director of research at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Editorial Advisory Board member, has co-edited a new book on oral disease prevention with Fotinos S. Panagakos DMD, PhD, global director of scientific affairs at Colgate-Palmolive Co. By The Editors

Effects of Aging on Periodontal Health Investigated

The third installment of the continuing education (CE) series created in partnership with the American Academy of Periodontology and sponsored through an educational grant provided by Colgate looks at the effects of aging on the periodontium and what this means for the practicing clinician. By The Editors

Reception Honors Recipient of the Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene—alongside premier sponsor Colgate and supporting sponsors Patterson Dental and PDT Inc—honored Olga A.C. Ibsen, RDH, MS, FAADH, with The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award at a reception on June 16. By The Editors

Old Dominion Educator Receives Teaching Award

Ann M. Bruhn, BSDH, MS, an assistant professor and continuing education coordinator at the Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, recently received the 2017 College of Health Sciences Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award. By The Editors

Dental Hygiene Educator, Program Director to Retire

Patricia Nunn, RDH, MS, director of the Dental Hygiene Program at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton is retiring on July 31, 2017, after a 44-year career in dental hygiene education. By The Editors

Research Winners Announced at ADHA Meeting

The recipients of the 2017 Dentsply Sirona/American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Graduate Student Clinicians Research Awards were announced at a reception on June 15 during ADHA’s Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. By The Editors

Dental Hygienist Named to Dimensions’ Corporate Council

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene is pleased to announce the addition of Amy Kinnamon, RDH, EFDA, to its Corporate Council. By The Editors