Ask the Expert

How long does your office wait after completion of four quadrants of scaling and root planing for reevaluation, and what do you do at that appointment?

I am a recent graduate and am wondering what type of insurance I should purchase before starting practice.

What are the most important things to look for when I’m selecting a new pair of loupes?

The new owner of the practice I work in has made some changes regarding the way dental hygienists are paid. The dentist has asked that we decrease our hours if the schedule has openings either at the start or finish of the day, or following…

Do you think it is appropriate for a dentist to tell a patient that the swelling is a direct result of the dental hygienist not cleaning to the base of the pocket?

What amount and what length of regimen are too much?

I have several patients who have undergone in-office bleaching and would like some over-the-counter options to upkeep their new white smiles. What do you suggest?

What is the protocol for treating a patient with an active cold sore? Do universal precautions cover the risks involved?

I have a 25-year-old female patient with moderate to severe tetracycline staining, especially on the anteriors.

A memo I was asked to sign regarding periodontal treatment guidelines does not mention the dentist’s responsibility for diagnosing periodontal disease, advising the patient, treatment planning, or referring to a periodontist. Am I outside…