Contents
This Month’s Features
The Use of Periodontal Ligament Injections
Periodontal ligament injections can help achieve the anesthesia necessary for successful dental treatment.
The Role of the Dental Hygienist in Caries Risk Assessment
Dental hygienists are key to personalized, evidence-based caries prevention, which involves a thorough and comprehensive assessment of individual risk indicators and factors, detection and diagnosis of carious lesions, and acknowledgement and incorporation of the patient's medical and dental histories.
Ultrasonic Insert/Tip Selection for First Molar Teeth
Choosing the most appropriate ultrasonic inserts/tips for the task at hand is integral to effective ultrasonic instrumentation of this area of the dentition.
Continuing Education
Dry mouth/xerostomia are common conditions that need a multifaceted approach to mitigate symptoms.
Dental hygienists need to be familiar with vaccination recommendations in order to protect themselves from exposure to infectious diseases and educate patients about the importance of immunizations.
Examining fluoride intake at an individual patient level is necessary to develop effective caries management plans.
Periodontal Disease Management
Understanding the biology behind periodontal disease phenotypes will help oral health professionals create individualized periodontal treatment plans.
Departments
Editor’s Note
I wrote this memo from Columbus, Ohio, where I attended the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Annual Meeting with the team from Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.
Ask the Expert
Use of Chlorhexidine Following Scaling and Root Planing
Should chlorhexidine be used after scaling and root planing?
Products and Services
Nupro Freedom™ Cordless Prophy System
BasicBites
Microflex® NeoSoft™ Neoprene Examination Gloves
Anutra Local Anesthetic Delivery System
Newsline + Industry Info
Infection Control Advocate Receives OSAP Award
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) presented Helene Bednarsh, BS, RDH, MPH, with the Dr. Milton Schaefer Award at its annual conference in June in Dallas.
University of Maryland Educator Receives Citation
Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS, a Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Editorial Advisory Board member, has received a Governor’s Citation from the state of Maryland, as she retires from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
Recipient of the Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award Honored at Reception
Dimensions of Dental Hygiene—with premier sponsor Colgate and supporting sponsors Patterson Dental and PDT Inc—recognized Deborah Bailey Astroth, RDH, BSDH, with The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award at a reception on June 22.
Continuing Education Focuses on Dry Mouth/Xerostomia
Saliva is integral to the health of the oral cavity and without the presence of normal salivary levels, the risk of caries and periodontal disease increases.
New Partnership to Support Children’s Oral Health
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® and Children’s Health Fund have partnered to ensure children do not fall behind in school because of poor oral health.
