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…

My office will not allow for four-handed dentistry, and I am concerned about exposures to aerosols. What are some strategies I can implement by myself to reduce this risk? Aerosols became a greater concern when the COVID-19 pandemic…

One of my patients has such sensitive gingiva that her oral hygiene has really suffered. Any suggestions on what implements may help her be more successful at self-care? I am sure you will agree that sensitive gingiva is not a…

Many of my patients ask for recommendations for at-home whitening modalities. How should I determine which is best based on individual patient characteristics? Before considering any over-the-counter (OTC) products or starting any…

One of my patients who I see four times a year for scaling and root planing is opposed to using anything that’s not natural post-therapy. Can you suggest any natural alternatives that offer antimicrobial benefits? Acute inflammation is…

Most of the patients I see are elderly and at elevated risk for root caries. What qualities should I look for in a fluoride varnish that will provide the best results in this population? Fluoride is widely accepted as a safe and…

What are some effective strategies to reduce the risk of cross-contamination in the dental operatory? The dental operatory is a prime source of infection, so surfaces in this area must be properly disinfected to avoid cross…

I wear prescription lenses in my everyday life. How does this impact my choosing the right loupes to best support my vision in clinical practice?

How effective are antimicrobial mouthrinses in reducing caries prevalence among children assessed as high risk? Caries is a multifactorial disease caused by oral microorganisms acting upon sugars and carbohydrates in the presence of…

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…