Contents

Guest Editorial: The Colorado Medical-Dental Integration Project

This innovative program expands access to preventive oral health care through a highly integrated care delivery model. By Patricia Braun, MD, MPH, Cherith Flowerday, Karina Villagrana, RDH

Incorporating the Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride

Following are strategies for implementing this minimally invasive option into the caries management armamentarium. By Brooke M.O. Fukuoka, DMD

Stain Removal With Polishing

Oral health professionals need to be knowledgeable about the causes behind staining, the correlation between oral pH and dental erosion, and appropriate polishing choices for different patient types. By Sharon L. Mossman, RDH, EdD

The Role of Gloves in Breaking the Chain of Infection

Practicing proper glove protocol will help oral health professionals reduce the risk of occupational exposure. By Nancy Goodwin, CDA, RDH, MEd

A Regulatory Look At Nitrous Oxide Delivery

The dental hygiene scope of practice regarding the use of N2O-O2 differs from state to state. By Diana B. Aboytes, RDH, MS

The Ethics of Off-Label Drug Use

With a continued rise in the use of off-label drug therapies, oral health professionals need to be aware of related legal and ethical considerations. By Kristen M. Stephens, RDH, MS, JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA

Improve Patient Communication

From using professional interpretation services to addressing low health literacy, ensuring effective communication between patients and providers is Integral to positive outcomes. By Christina Calleros, RDH, MS, Diana B. Aboytes, RDH, MS

Extreme Body Modifications

Providing effective care and recommendations to this patient population is key to supporting oral health. By Anna Matthews, RDH, MS, Gwen Cohen Brown, DDS, FAAOMP, Sandra Stramoski, RDH, MSDH

Caring for Patients Who Consume Cannabis

As more states legalize some form of marijuana use, oral health professionals need to be knowledgeable about cannabis use, the various forms available, and its effects on oral and systemic health. By Karen M. Portillo, RDH, MSDH, Tammy R. Sanderson, RDH, MSDH, JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA

Promoting Dental Hygiene

Most oral health professionals don't consider themselves public relations (PR) experts. After all, our role is to prevent and treat disease. Yet our efforts to improve oral health can be seen as a PR opportunity. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

To Retip or Not to Retip Dental Instruments

While many instrument sharpening companies offer retipping services, it is not the ideal way to replace worn instruments. By Mary Kaye Scaramucci, RDH, MS

March 2018 Marketplace

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Cavitron Family of Ultrasonic Scaling Systems and Inserts by Dentsply Sirona

The Cavitron® family offers a broad selection of ultrasonic scaling inserts to fit the needs of every practice and patient. By Dentsply Sirona

Scaling and Root Planing May Improve Glycemic Control

Results of a randomized controlled trial conducted in Spain found that scaling and root planing may offer significant oral health benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes. By The Editors

ADHA Adds New Team Member

Vicki Pizanis, RDH, MS, EdD, has joined the American Dental Hygienist's Association (ADHA) as its new dental hygiene education and practice specialist. By The Editors

Renowned Oral Pathology Expert Passes Away

Joan Andersen Phelan, RDH, MS, DDS, co-author, with Olga A.C. Ibsen, RDH, MS, of the popular textbook Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienist With General Pathology Introductions, now in its seventh edition, passed away after a prolonged illness in January. By The Editors

Research Shows Flu Is Spread by Aerosols

Avoiding the flu may be more difficult than previously believed as researchers have found that it is transmitted via aerosols, not just droplets resulting from sneezing or coughing, as was once thought. By The Editors