During my review, I was penalized for taking too much time on medical histories. I am concerned that if I am not thorough, I may be liable if something goes wrong.

How do you classify a patient who has returned to a practice after 3 years?

Dental hygienists must be prepared to address breaches in infection control to ensure the safety of patients and dental team members.

I need help starting a conversation with my dentist on why dental hygiene care needs to be completed before restorative work is begun.

Dental hygienists are well-equipped to advocate for improving access to care for the Nation’s most vulnerable populations.

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.

Dental hygienists are well-positioned to address this important issue facing community-dwelling seniors.

Explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) biases affect providers’ understanding, actions, communication, and treatment decisions.

Oral health professionals are charged with encouraging open communication with patients, and understanding their perception of health and disease, as influenced by traditional beliefs.

Clinicians face ethical dilemmas throughout their careers, but a strong educational foundation in ethics and ethical decision-making provides a helpful guide.