Contents

An In-Depth Look at the Role of Dental Hygienists in Administering Local Anesthesia

Most states allow dental hygienists to perform this important clinical function but controversy remains. By Sean G. Boynes, DMD, MS, Kathy Bassett, RDH, MEd, Royann Royer, CDA, RDH, MPH, Arthur C. DiMarco, DMD, Alicia Johnston, CDA, RDH, MPHD, Suzanne Newkirk, RDH, Meghan R. Bastin, DMD, MPH, Lauren Kuhn Nuth, DMD, MSD, Mel Hawkins, DDS, BScD(AN), FADSA, DADBA, Stanley F. Malamed, DDS

Anatomy of Instrument Design and Selection

Choosing the best instrument for the task at hand requires knowledge of the available armamentarium. By Ivan Pinto, RDHAP, BSDH, MB, Michaela Nguyen, RDH, BSDH, MS

Bridging the Gap

A federally funded associateship program at the New York University College of Dentistry is helping young patients with special needs receive the dental care they need. By Nancy Kuy, RDA, RDH, MSc

Prioritizing Oral Hygiene to Prevent Hospital-Acquired Pneumonias

Dental hygienists play an important role on multidisciplinary hospital care teams. By Sarah B. Hoerler, RDH, MS, Benjamin C. Hickox, APRN, CNS, DNP

The Use of Advanced Behavioral Techniques to Quell Dental Anxiety

The principles of applied behavior analysis and functional behavior assessment are key to assuaging patients’ dental anxiety, fear, and dentophobia. By Christina A. Demopoulos, DDS, MPH, Joshua Baker, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Breaking Down Barriers to Care for Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Oral health professionals can help this patient population successfully receive much-needed dental care. By Darlene Jones, RDH, MPA, Colleen Rolland, BS

Prescription Fluoride for Patients at High Caries Risk

Although it is not the most commonly used form of fluoride, the prescription option plays an important role in providing optimal levels of fluoride. By Alice Ko, DMD, Donald L. Chi, DDS, PhD

Serving Those Who Serve

In March, I was thrilled to celebrate the dedication of the Army Dentistry Monument in San Antonio. By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Mounting the Caries Prevention Effort

At my practice we recommend fluoride toothpaste, oral hygiene techniques, xylitol, and diet changes for those at high risk of decay. I also consider dry mouth. However, I often feel like we are going in circles with no changes noted. Any suggestions? What a great question! We have all had patients who struggle to control [...] By Denise Muesch Helm, RDH, EdD

Supporting Ergonomics With a Multipronged Approach

Interprofessional collaboration can be a powerful tool in the effort to improve the safety of dental hygiene practice. By Designs For Vision

May 2023 Marketplace

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

Award Winner to Be Revealed in July

Each year, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a dental hygienist who has made a tremendous impact on the art and science of the profession. By The Editors

Dental Hygiene Loses Beloved Leader

Winnie Furnari, MS, RDH, FAADH, FAAFS, FADE, the 2022 recipient of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award, passed away on April 20. By The Editors