With the growing risk of exposure to emerging and re-emerging diseases, the dental practice must maintain strict infection control protocols, including protection against airborne transmission.

Editor In Chief of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, Anna M. Pattison, RDH, MS, discusses advancements in instrumentation.

Sealants are an important part of preventive care and dental hygienists must be comfortable with their recommendation and placement.

In providing optimal care, soft tissue, bone, and implant restorative components must be routinely evaluated.

Treating drug-induced dry mouth.

Strategies for treating patients with anxiety disorders.

Improving therapeutic outcomes with better sharpening skills.

Although not approved by the FDA specifically for caries prevention, when used appropriately fluoride varnish is an effective and safe therapy in reducing caries.

In the first installment of a continuing series on anesthesia, Stanley F. Malamed, DDS, shares his expertise on using amide local anesthetic agents.

Dental hygienists may not be aware of the American Academy of Periodontology's 1999 classification system for periodontal diseases. Gary Armitage, DDS, MS, discusses how the system affects dental hygiene practice.