Contents

Sensitivity Management After Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

Accurate diagnosis and implementation of evidence-based therapies are key to addressing this common patient complaint. By Rebecca P. Henderson, RDH, MS, Bridget Wright, RDH, MACPR

An Inside Look at Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dental Hygienists

Myriad factors impact oral health professionals’ risk of developing these painful and possibly career-ending injuries. By Shannon C. Thomason, CDA, RDH, MSDH, Jessica Suedbeck, RDH, MSDH, Susan Lynn Tolle, BSDH, MS

What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines

This overview of COVID-19 vaccine developments explores the Implications for oral health professionals and patients. By Michelle Wood, RDH, MS, JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AFAAOM

Reaching Beyond the Operatory

Dental hygienists are well-equipped to advocate for improving access to care for the Nation’s most vulnerable populations. By Olivia Morzenti, RDH, BS, CDHC, Leciel Bono, RDH-ER, MS

Monoclonal Antibodies and Their Impact on Oral Healthcare

As more patients begin taking biologics and their generic counterparts, oral health professionals need to be knowledgeable about their indications, adverse reactions, and risk of interactions with other medications in order to provide safe and effective care. By Anna Matthews, RDH, MS

The Use of Miswak to Improve Oral Health Outcomes

Commonly used in many cultures, miswak is a potential alternative oral hygiene method. By Maria Mirakhmedov, RDh, BSDH, Sarah Laredo, RDH, BSDH, Anh Nguyen, RDH, BSDH, Faizan Kabani, PhD, MBA, MHA, RDH, FAADH, Lisa Mallonee, MPH, RDH, RD, LD, Maureen Brown, RDH, MS-HIED

Positivity in the Year Ahead

Each new year brings anticipation of brighter and better things to come, and this year is no exception. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

When Should I Refer Patients to a Periodontist?

What are appropriate guidelines for referring a patient to the periodontist for a localized or complete periodontal evaluation? By Timothy J. Hempton, DDS, Gayathri M. Shenoy, DMD

January 2021 Marketplace For Dental Hygienists

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

EverSmile PreOp Pre-Treatment Rinse

Preprocedural Mouthrinse Reduces Viral Load. By The Editors

January 2021 Digital Agenda

Digital Agenda covers all that’s happening under Dimensions’ social media platforms. By The Editors

Research Begins on Severe Illness in Children With COVID-19

The National Institutes of Health has begun an observational study on the impact of COVID-19 on the health of children, particularly the effects and prevalence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). By The Editors

January 2021 Social Commentary

Like Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Facebook page to share your thoughts on posted questions. By The Editors

Idaho State University to Upgrade Dental Hygiene Clinic

Idaho State University (ISU) in Pocatello received a $500,000 donation from Delta Dental of Idaho to improve the school’s heavily utilized dental hygiene clinic. By The Editors

Preventing Needlestick Injuries Remains Key to Workplace Safety

Twenty years ago, the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act was passed into law. By The Editors

Free Publication Provides Strategies to Combat the Spread of Health Misinformation

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently published a synopsis of a workshop dedicated to helping health professionals combat the spread of health misinformation, particularly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. By The Editors

Speed of Dental Drills Impacts COVID-19 Transmission

A new British study demonstrates that slowing the speed of the dental handpiece may significantly decrease aerosol transmission. By The Editors