Contents

Maintaining Oral Health in Older Adults

With a growing aging population across the United States, oral health professionals are charged with helping this vulnerable population prevent dental disease and improve oral health. By Annette Huynh, RDH, BS, Kaitlin Stier, RDH, MPH, Victoria M. Benvenuto, RDH, EdM

The Use of Acupuncture to Ease Musculoskeletal Pain

Evidence supports the effectiveness of this type of traditional Chinese medicine in the management of work-related pain. By Jennifer Gertenbach, RDH, Kara Franklin, RDH, Emily Von Tress, RDH, Kandice Swarthout, MS, RDH, LPC

The Increasing Utilization of Teledentistry

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, many oral health professionals have embraced teledentistry as an effective means of delivering care. By Tracye A. Moore RDH, MS, EdD

Addressing the Opioid Crisis

By supporting the prescription drug monitoring program, promoting the proper disposal of opioids, and encouraging opioid stewardship, dental hygienists can make a difference in this public health issue. By Heather B. Allen, RDH, BSDH, MSHCM, Tricia S. Barker, RDH, BSDH, MEd, Tina Patel Gunaldo, PhD, DPT, MHS

Managing Desquamative Gingivitis

Proper diagnosis of erythematous, erosive, and ulcerated appearance of the gingiva is key to effective care. By Scott M. Peters, DDS

Supporting the Transgender Community

By reducing healthcare disparities, providing nonjudgmental care, and addressing areas of high risk, oral health professionals can play a unique role in encouraging oral and systemic health in this patient population. By Anna N. Vo, RDH, BS, Michelle C. Arnett, RDH, BS, MS, Miranda Drake, RDH, MSDH, Yvette G. Reibel, RDH, BA, BSDH, MSDH

What I’ve Learned So Far

A few weeks ago, I took my first airplane trip since the COVID-19 pandemic began. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Choosing the Appropriate Mask

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted dentistry. All oral health professionals are concerned about remaining safe during the provision of dental care and ensuring the safety of patients. The appropriate wearing of masks is key to the safe provision of care. By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS

September 2020 Marketplace For Dental Hygienists

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

OraCoat® XyliMelts® and XyliGel® by Quest Products LLC

Lubricating gel for dry mouth and tooth decay. By The Editors

September 2020 Social Commentary

Like Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Facebook page to share your thoughts on posted questions. By The Editors

Telehealth Company Makes Inc. 500 List

New Jersey-based MouthWatch LLC—a leader in innovative teledentistry solutions, digital case presentation tools, and intraoral imaging devices—was recently included on the annual Inc. 5000 list, a ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. By The Editors

Tufts Shuts Dental Hygiene Clinic

The dental clinic at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston went from treating more than 600 patients per day to approximately 12 patients per day in the school’s emergency clinic. By The Editors

NAU Receives Grant

The United States Health Resources Services Administration has awarded the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Dental Hygiene Program in Flagstaff a $3.25 million grant to support students from racial and ethnic minority groups who meet financial aid requirements. By The Editors

Survey Reveals Confidence Lacking Regarding COVID-19-Related Changes

Medicaid dental providers face a confidence gap in their ability to implement COVID-19-related changes. By The Editors

September 2020 Digital Agenda

Digital Agenda covers all that’s happening under Dimensions’ social media platforms. By The Editors

Peer to Peer: Easy Way to Help Patients Achieve Optimal Oral Health

The clinician-recommended Colgate Professional Direct program connects patients with the right oral hygiene products for them. By Phyllis Martina, RDH, MBA