Contents

Guest Editorial: The Journey to Opportunity

Dental hygienists who embrace change, reflect on their professional status and goals, and unite with colleagues are poised for professional growth. By Debra J. Sidd, RDH, RF, MEd

Adapting Site-Specific Ultrasonic Inserts/Tips

These instruments can increase access to difficult-to-reach areas and may help to improve periodontal therapy outcomes. By Kristel Caganap, RDH, MSDH, Joan Beleno Sanchez, RDH, BSDH, BAS, Michaela Nguyen, RDH, BSDH, MS

Ensure Proper Fit

Implementing well-fitting loupes into clinical practice can improve both ergonomics and the quality of patient care. By Emily A. Ludwig, RDH, MSDH, Susan Lynn Tolle, BSDH, MS

Focus on Mouthrinses

This detailed table provides information about the latest therapeutic and cosmetic mouthrinses. By The Editors

The Opioid Crisis

Clinicians should be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder in order to provide the most appropriate care to these patients. By Lisa Bilich, RDH, MS, CHSE

Caring for Children With Diabetes

Oral health professionals are well positioned to provide the extensive preventive and therapeutic care required to maintain the oral health of this patient population. By Dorothy J. Rowe, RDH, MS, PhD, Hyun A. Sohn, RDH, MS

Signs and Symptoms of Hypophosphatasia

As premature tooth loss is one of the first signs of this debilitating disease, oral health professionals need to be prepared to recognize it in its earliest stages. By Julio Sotillo, DDS, PhD, Kyriakie Sarafoglou, MD

A Comprehensive Approach to Dental Caries Management

Risk assessment, therapeutic and restorative therapies, establishment of a dental home, and interprofessional care are key to mitigating the negative effects of tooth decay. By Erin A. Kierce, RDH, BA, MS, MPH, Lori Rainchuso, RDH, MS, DHSc

There’s a Code

Last fall, the American Dental Association (ADA) developed a new insurance code that dental hygiene professionals have long wished for. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Implications of Biofilms in Dental Unit Waterlines

The Ask the Expert column features answers to your most pressing clinical questions. By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS

Marketplace

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

New Bachelor of Science Program Set to Graduate First Student

Tyler Junior College (TJC) in Tyler, Texas, recently expanded its course offerings to include a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program, and will soon graduate its first student. By The Editors

Sponsors of the Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award Announced

Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals is the premier sponsor and Patterson Dental and PDT Inc are supporting sponsors of its eighth annual The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award. By The Editors

Summit Explores Oral-Systemic Link

In February, global leaders and scientific experts from the European Federation of Periodontology, International Diabetes Federation, and Sunstar Americas Inc organized an international summit to discuss the relationship between diabetes and periodontal diseases. By The Editors

Ted Talk Speaker to Deliver Keynote Address

Dedicated to encouraging people to do the things that inspire them, Simon Sinek will share his encouraging words with dental professionals during Dentsply Sirona World 2017 in Las Vegas. By The Editors

School-Based Oral Health Program Launches in Delaware

Through the efforts of Delaware Smile Check (DSC), students attending public schools in underserved areas now have access to oral health screenings. By The Editors

New York Dental Practice Spreads Smiles Through Outreach Efforts

In New York City, a pediatric oral health company is on a mission to deliver care to children, regardless of ability to pay. By The Editors