Due in part to headline-making infection control breaches involving dental treatment water, patients and the profession are placing increased scrutiny on dental waterline asepsis.

Medical emergencies in dental settings occur for a variety of reasons. A survey revealed that among 2,704 dentists polled over 10 years, more than 13,000 medical emergencies took place. The chief reason is an increase in the number of older…

To date, most of the research on 1% chlorhexidine in 1% thymol varnish (CTV) has been conducted on children, examining levels of mutans streptococcus (MS) and lactobacillus in saliva, and levels of MS in fissures in both primary and…

Amalgam has been used in dentistry for more than 165 years. Almost since its inception, the use of dental amalgam has been controversial.

The use of animal-assisted interventions in health-care settings is an evidence-based practice. There are two types of animal-assisted interventions used in health-care settings: animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animal-assisted activities…

Cleaning and sterilization or disinfection of reusable patient care instruments and devices are crucial elements of an effective infection control protocol. Rendering dental in­struments and devices safe for reuse is a multistep process…

The use of proper ergonomics includes adjusting dental hygienists’ work environments to help them be more effective and efficient, while minimizing the risk of injury. New technology has entered the dental operatory that may provide…

Asthma ordinarily begins in childhood/adolescence, and—once established—the ongoing inflammatory process leads to underdevelopment of the lungs, further impeding their function. More than 6 million United States children under the age of 18…

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections are used with increasing frequency to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Advances in technology, demand for decreased consumer costs, and lack of access to care for underserved populations have changed the way dental care is delivered.