Contents
This Month’s Features
Improve Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy With Appropriate Instrument Choice
Mini- and micro-mini-bladed Gracey curets enable access and maximize calculus removal.
Despite a wealth of evidence showing the effectiveness of sealants in caries prevention, this modality remains underutilized.
Continuing Education
Supporting Oral Health Among Breastfed Infants
Exclusively breastfed babies may be at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency, which can affect enamel development and caries risk.
Guide to Treating Adolescent Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Oral health professionals can play a key role in serving this patient population.
Oral Health Effects of Contraceptive Use
Research suggests some birth control methods may increase periodontitis risk.
A Dental Hygiene Approach Toward COVID-19
The medical history provides an opportunity for clinicians to discuss COVID-19 and how patients can best protect themselves from severe illness.
Departments
Editor’s Note
You’ve seen the photos on social media—your fellow dental hygienists proudly showing their upper arms while being vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Ask the Expert
I work in a family dental practice that will see children only beginning at age 5. I know the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children visit their dental provider by their first birthday. How should I approach my dentist about making this change?
Products and Services
Natural Support for Periodontal Health
Tooth & Gums Tonic®, Under the Gums Irrigant®, and PerioSpot® by Dental Herb Company
Preprocedural Mouthrinse Reduces Viral Load
EverSmile PreOp Pre-Treatment Rinse
Newsline + Industry Info
Dimensions Board Member Receives AAP Service Award
Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Editorial Advisory Board member Wayne A. Aldredge, DMD, was honored with the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) Distinguished Service Award at the end of 2020.
Digital Agenda covers all that’s happening under Dimensions’ social media platforms.
February 2021 Social Commentary
Like Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Facebook page to share your thoughts on posted questions.
New Craniofacial Genetic Disorder is Discovered
National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists may have found a new genetic disorder that affects the brain and craniofacial skeleton.
Renowned Dental Hygiene Program Prepares to Close
The Dental Hygiene Program at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles—one of the most highly regarded baccalaureate programs in the United States—has announced that its final class will graduate in 2021.
Embracing Change Through 50 Years in the Dental Hygiene Profession
Reflecting on 50 years in dental hygiene, I discovered that major career shifts followed either unique opportunities or bad employment experiences.
New Research to Guide Oral Health Professionals on Safe Practices During COVID-19 Pandemic
Research published in the Journal of Dentistry is helping to inform oral health professionals on how to safely treat patients during the global pandemic by mitigating the risks of dental aerosols, according to a study led by Newcastle University in the United Kingdom.
Oral Health Professionals to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines
A growing number of states are authorizing dentists to administer immunizations for COVID-19 to help speed vaccine delivery.
Pew Charitable Trusts Reports on Dental Therapy’s Continuing Growth and Positive Impact
The Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public policy and encouraging civic life in the United States, reports that even during a challenging year for oral healthcare due to the global pandemic, dental therapy has continued to expand its reach across the US.
