Contents

Tips for Instrumenting First Molar Teeth

Applying advanced principles of periodontal instrumentation to enhance mechanical debridement is key to meeting the goals of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. By Kathleen O. Hodges, RDH, MS

Caries Prevention with Sealants

Pit and fissure sealants are an important part of a comprehensive caries prevention plan. By Lindsey M. Lee, RDH, MS, Diana B. Aboytes, RDH, MS

Supporting Children’s Oral Health

Ensuring the early and comprehensive examination of children puts them on the path to positive oral health. By Joseph Castellano, DDS

The Role of Genetics in Caries Risk and Resistance

Improved understanding of relevant genetic factors will help increase the precision of caries risk assessment and, ultimately, enable more targeted, personalized interventions that will effectively prevent and manage dental caries. By J. Tim Wright, DDS, MS

Effects of Asthma On Oral Health

Supporting the oral and systemic health of pediatric patients with asthma is key to successful outcomes. By Stefania Willis, RDH, MA, DMH, Sarina Gefers

Quit The Dip

This discussion of trends in smokeless tobacco use and strategies for cessation are designed to help oral health professionals adequately address this public health epidemic. By Ruth Palich, RDH, MHHS, Suzanne M. Smith, RDH, MEd

Esthetic Options for Tooth Movement

Clear aligners and lingually positioned appliances present esthetic alternatives to orthodontic treatment with traditional braces. By Dallin N. Harris, DDS, Gerald Minick, DDS, MS, MSD, Terri Tilliss, RDH, PhD

Choice and Competition

Last month, I wrote about the increased attention being paid to oral health care at the federal level. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Can a Patient Become Resistant to Chlorhexidine Mouthrinse?

What amount and what length of regimen are too much? By Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH

February 2019 Marketplace for Dental Hygienists

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Dental Hygienist Still Passionate After 45+ Years

Devoted. Dedicated. Passionate. These words describe Iris Rosen, RDH, BS, a dental hygienist for more than 45 years who is still serving patients at the same private practice where she began her career in the early 1970s. By The Editors

Erratum

In the introductory paragraphs of the “Managing Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Dental Office” article in December 2018, congestive heart disease was cited as the most common underlying pathology for sudden cardiac arrest in adults over age 35. By The Editors

UCSF’s Graduate Dental Hygiene Program Suspends Admissions

The University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program has ceased accepting new students for the 2019-2020 school year By The Editors

Link Between Periodontitis and Alzheimer’s Disease Uncovered

A new study that examined the brain tissue, spinal tissue, and saliva of patients with Alzheimer’s disease found Porphyromonas gingivalis present in samples taken from both living and deceased subjects. By The Editors

Senator Proposes Medicare Dental Legislation

Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced S.22, the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2019, on January 3, 2019. By The Editors