Contents

Guest Editorial: A Strategic Approach to Addressing Dental Caries

In addition to establishing a dental home and developing a comprehensive treatment plan, the introduction of silver diamine fluoride may be a game changer in the effort to reduce the prevalence of dental caries. By James D. Nickman, DDS, MS

The Role of Fluoride In Caries Prevention

Fluoride is one of the most valuable weapons in the fight against tooth decay among pediatric patients. By Denise M. Claiborne, PhD, RDH

The Art of Dental Radiography

Take this quiz to evaluate your radiographic diagnostic skills. By J. Sean Hubar, DMD, MS, Paul J. Caballero, BSc

Maintain the Cutting Edge of Dental Instruments

Instrument sharpness is key to achieving successful periodontal treatment. By Donna Smith, BSDH, MSEd, RDHAP

Benefits and Risks of Dental Sealants

While concern remains regarding the presence of bisphenol-A in some sealant materials, their success in preventing caries should remain top of mind. By Molly A. Walters, RDH, BSDH, Laura J. Sleeper, RDH, DHSc

Advantages of Teledentistry Technologies

Implementing telehealth practices can enhance oral health care delivery and improve access to care. By Tracye A. Moore RDH, MS, EdD, JoAnn Rover, RDH, MPA,

The Role of Oral Health Professionals in the Opioid Epidemic

Clinicians need to understand the signs and symptoms of opioid abuse and engage in efforts to curtail it. By Heather R. Thomas, RDH, BS, MEd, Priscilla A. Rost, RDH, BS, MEd

Treating Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Following are strategies to help improve treatment outcomes in this patient population. By Lauren B. Mirsky, RDH, BS, JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA

CE Sponsored by Colgate in Partnership with the American Academy of Periodontology: Maintaining Oral Health in Patients With Special Needs

Periodontal health is intricately tied to oral and systemic health in patients with special needs. By Lorenzo Mordini, DDS, CAGS, MS

Reflecting on Progress Made in Kids’ Oral Health

As oral health professionals, we know that achieving good oral health for children is sometimes not a simple proposition. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Reducing the Risks by Ultrasonic Aerosols

What is the best way to control aerosols during ultrasonic instrumentation to protect myself and my patients? By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS

February 2018 Marketplace

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

The University of Minnesota Honors Dental Hygienist

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) in Minneapolis has honored Carol Dahlke, MDH, with its Alumni Service Award. By The Editors

Bisphosphonate Use Affects Success of Implant Therapy

A new study published in the November 2017 issue of the Journal of Oral Implantology found that women who take bisphosphonates (BPs) to prevent bone loss are at risk of implant failure. By The Editors

Cancer Risk Linked to Periodontal Diseases

Results from a large study involving more than 7,000 subjects found that patients with severe periodontitis exhibited a 24% higher risk of cancer compared with those without or with mild periodontitis. By The Editors

Florida Daycare Adds Oral Hygiene to Its Curriculum

The Florida Department of Health in Martin County has partnered with the Gertrude Walden Childcare Center in Stuart, Florida, to determine the effectiveness of having children brush their teeth while at the daycare center in preventing dental caries. By The Editors

Dental Hygienist Receives Award at Yankee Meeting

Kathy Lituri, RDH, MPH, clinical instructor and oral health promotion director for the Office of Global and Population Health at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, received the Volunteer Award For Auxiliaries at the Yankee Dental Congress in Boston on January 24. By The Editors

CE Course Focuses on Patients with Special Needs

While the prevalence of disability is on an upward trend, patients with special needs remain a consistently underserved population. By The Editors

Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month

The month of February has been designated as National Children's Dental Health Month since 1981 in an effort to promote the importance of oral health. By The Editors

Dimensions’ Contributors to Speak at ADHA Meeting

The 95th Annual Conference of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) will take place June 20 to 23 in Columbus, Ohio. By The Editors