Prevent Bleaching-Related Tooth Sensitivity

Relief is available for patients with painful sensitivity who desire a whiter, brighter smile. By Erin Boyleston, RDH, MS, Van B. Haywood, DMD, Roseanne C. Rodgers, DDS

Stretch for Health

A daily stretching regimen can help you reduce your risk of work-related injuries. By Johanna Owen, BSDH, RDH, EFDA, Rachel C. Kearney, BSDH, MS

Every Practice Needs an Infection Control Coordinator

Adding this position to the dental team is key to ensuring safety and compliance in the dental setting. By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS

Guest Editorial: New Developments in Dental Hygiene

This endoscopic/periodontal dental hygienist shares her experience of attending the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene. By Nancy Kiehl, RDH, BSDH, MSEd

Support the Oral Health of Your Patients with Alzheimer Disease

Individuals with this common type of dementia can be successfully treated in the traditional dental practice. By Emily R. Holt, MHA, RDH, CDA, EFDA

What You Need to Know About Cannabis Use

The use of both medical and recreational cannabis is growing, putting the onus on dental hygienists to understand how to provide safe and effective care. By Anna Matthews, RDH, MS, Sandra Stramoski, RDH, MSDH

The Role of Dental Hygienists in Combatting the Opioid Epidemic

While often underestimated, dental hygienists can make a significant impact on risk assessment for opioid misuse. By Alexis A. Vasciannie, BS, Susan J. Jenkins, RDH, PhD, Ronald J. Kulich, PhD, David A. Keith, BDS, FDSRCS, DMD

A Novel Approach to Treating Hairy Tongue

A 9300 nm CO2 laser and low energy ablation therapy provide effective palliative care for hairy tongue. By Gregory M. Schuster, DDS, MEd, Eugenia P. Roberts, DDS, Hannah E. Tarpey, BS

The Time is Now

The opening sentence of the recently released Global Oral Health Status Report (GOHSR) from the World Health Organization (WHO) states: “Oral health is integral to general health and supports individuals participating in society to achieve their potential.”1 This report marks a milestone—it is the first of its kind by the WHO and it provides a [...] By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

How to Determine Returning Patients

How do you classify a patient who has returned to a practice after 3 years? I believe this patient should be scheduled for a comprehensive exam with X-rays with the dentist first before seeing me for a prophylaxis. However, one of my colleagues is questioning the ethics of this approach. There are many reasons why [...] By Michele P. Carr, RDH, MA, EdD

Dimensions Contributor is U-M Dental Hygiene Alumna of the Year

Amy Coplen, RDH, EPDH, MS, a frequent contributor to Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, received the 2022 Dental Hygiene Alumna of the Year Award from her alma mater, the University of Michigan (U-M), in recognition of her advocacy in expanding dental therapy in the state of Oregon. A professor and director of the School of Dental [...] By The Editors

Spotlight on Clinicians: A Part of the Solution

As a little girl, I have fond memories of spending time with my aunt in St. Louis who worked in a Medicaid dental office. Every day, I saw patients who were unable to get to the dentist or pay for care. Seeing patients dealing with extreme pain because of their teeth profoundly impacted me. I [...] By Tiffany Grant, RDH, MBA

DUWL Infections Prompt Federal Health Advisory

Recent outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) in accordance with recommended infection prevention protocols. Following a cluster of suspected NTM infections after procedures at a pediatric dental clinic, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network Health [...] By The Editors

Old Dominion Provides Oral Healthcare to Young English Language Learners

Old Dominion University (ODU) Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene is partnering with Eastern Virginia Medical School’s (EVMS) HOPES Clinica Esperanza to provide children who are learning English with much-needed dental care at no cost. Children ages 4 to 13 who are current patients of the HOPES medical clinic may receive treatment from ODU [...] By The Editors

Medicare and Medicaid Expansion Includes Dental Care

Through its Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expanding access to dental care, cancer screening and be­havioral healthcare. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to expanding access to vital preventive and treatment services,” notes HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Providing whole-person support through Medicare will [...] By The Editors

January 2023 Digital Agenda

We Love Our Brand Ambassadors! Every so often we post a code in the Brand Ambassadors’ private Facebook page to purchase a free Starbucks drink. Our Brand Ambassador Program is a group of thought leaders who serve as the voice of Dimensions and help clinicians be the best they can be. Brand Ambassadors are encouraged [...] By The Editors

January 2023 Social Commentary

If you could change one thing about the profession of dental hygiene, what would it be? Hadeel M. Ayoub, PhD, MSDH, RDH Dimensions Peer Review Panel Member License portability. ALL programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) graduate competent dental hygienists who maintain the same standards. At the same time, obtaining the dental [...] By The Editors