Kathleen O. Hodges, RDH, MS, is a professor emerita in the Department of Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University in Pocatello who teaches in the Master of Science program. She has 40 years of experience in dental hygiene education, including clinical teaching and administration. Hodges works in private practice and is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. She is also a board member for the Western Society of Periodontology and a Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Editorial Advisory Board member.
Successful periodontal maintenance (PM) depends on removing biofilm and calculus, as well as root planing and implant debridement.1 Ultrasonic instrumentation is often indicated to improve the efficiency and efficacy of PM appointments.…
Effective biofilm removal is integral to the long-term success of implant therapy. Ultrasonic instrumentation can help clinicians maximize scaling and root planing results as part of a comprehensive periodontal maintenance regimen.…
I am spending lots of time sharpening my instruments. What can I do to help them stay sharp longer?
There are two basic sharpening objectives: to produce a sharp cutting edge and to maintain the original contour of the instrument. The…
Should I use chlorhexidine or stabilized chlorine dioxide for one-time subgingival irrigation after scaling and root planing?
Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%) is known as the gold standard for antimicrobials due to its demonstrated…