The use of nonsurgical periodontal therapy to treat chronic periodontitis is standard in oral health care, and new developments may improve its efficacy in the future.

Dental hygienists play an important role in helping partially edentulous patients maintain their oral health.

A successful prevention protocol can significantly improve the oral health of children with this rare but serious disorder.

Dental hygienists should be prepared to educate parents and patients about the prevention and treatment of traumatic dental injuries.

This underutilized technique can improve the quality of diagnostic radiographs while also reducing radiation exposure.

The systemic use of fluoride provides many benefits in reducing tooth decay.

Incorporating this technique into practice may help dental hygienists access deposits that may otherwise be missed.

The use of benzocaine in infants and children can raise the risk of methemoglobinemia—a dangerous and sometimes fatal condition.

Through risk assessment and effective prevention protocols, the rising prevalence of this aggressive disease process can be stemmed.

Dental hygienists play an important role in providing effective oral health care to patients with diabetes, and in recognizing the symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes.