Contents

Improving the Safety of Dental Unit Waterlines

Treating the dental unit water, flushing the air/waterlines between patients, regular testing of water quality, and following all manufacturer instructions will help dental practices effectively maintain their dental unit waterlines. By Laura Gail Hendricks, RDH, MEd

Coaxial Illumination

When properly worn and carefully chosen, coaxial illumination may enhance not only visual acuity, but also proper posture. By Emily A. Ludwig, RDH, MSDH, Margaret Lemaster, BSDH, MS

Pediatric Use of Dental Lasers

With applications ranging from soft tissue surgery to sealant and caries preparations, dental lasers represent a viable treatment modality for this patient population. By Graham L. Hearn, DDS, MSD

Addressing Prescription Opioid Misuse

Improving communication between providers, increasing use of alternative pain control mechanisms, and creating evidence-based prescribing guidelines will reduce the unintended distribution of prescription opioids. By Romesh P. Nalliah, DDS, MHCM, Shernel Thomas, BS, Diane Rhee, PharmD, MHA, Sarah Bettag, BA, Melanie Boyd, RDA

Note the Signs of Elder Abuse

Dental hygienists are well positioned to recognize the symptoms of elder abuse. By Kimberly A. Erdman, RDH, PHDHP, MSDH

Joining the Emergency Preparedness Team

Oral health professionals have unique skills that can be invaluable to emergency preparedness teams. By Tara L. Newcomb, RDH, MS, Ann M. Bruhn, RDH, BSDH, MS

Helping Patients Dance Again

In the April issue of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, I highlighted the work of respiratory therapists and how they are partners in the care we provide. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

What Level of Mask Should Dental Hygienists Use?

What level of mask should dental hygienists use when completing typical activities, such as X-rays and patient care? I use level 3, but would level 2 would be sufficient? By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS

June 2018 Marketplace

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Recipient of Prestigious Award is Announced

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, with premier sponsor Colgate and supporting sponsors Patterson Dental and PDT Inc, is pleased to announce that Deborah Bailey Astroth, RDH, BSDH, is the 2018 recipient of The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award. By The Editors

Winner of The Alla J. Wheeler Award is Revealed

Rachael Devorah Straus, BS, a May graduate of New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry’s Associate in Applied Science Degree Program in Dental Hygiene, is the recipient of the seventh annual Alla J. Wheeler Ethics and Professionalism Award. By The Editors

Biography of Dr. Esther M. Wilkins to be Released in July

The new biography of dental hygiene’s beloved matriarch, Esther M. Wilkins, RDH, BS, DMD, will be released in July.  By The Editors

Industry Info

Industry and academia partner to reduce early childhood caries. By The Editors