A Just Nation Must Make Healthcare a Right

If fairness is the foundation of justice, then a truly just government has a duty to ensure access to basic healthcare, including dental care, for every citizen. By Diana Macri, RDH, BSDH, MSEd

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

AI plays a pivotal role in advancing dental radiology and oral pathology. By Allison Castro, MPH, RDH, Tamara J. Faure, EdD, RDH

Tackling Tooth Sensitivity

With nearly one in three patients affected by dentinal hypersensitivity, clinicians can draw on a growing arsenal of treatments to provide lasting relief. By Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, MS

Teledentistry Offers Benefits to Both Patients and Clinicians

With a significant peak in use during the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry continues to make a difference in the dental setting. By Hannah Dinnell, RDH, AS, Mona Riaz, RDA, RDH, MS

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Demystified

Following are strategies for mitigating the risk and impact of this common ailment faced by oral health professionals. By Abrielle Lamphere, RDH, MSDH

Show-Do-Tell: The Importance of Using Disclosing Solution

Help your patients improve their self-care with this simple approach. By Ashley D. Millon, RDH, BSDH, MSHCM

The Nutritional Link to Periodontal Health

With periodontitis affecting nearly half of American adults, understanding how vitamins, minerals, and nutrients influence inflammation and healing can help dental hygienists guide patients toward healthier smiles. By Heather Tuthill, MPH, BSDH, RDH

Managing Dental Anxiety

A variety of nonpharmacological management options are available to help patients quell anxiety and ensure successful dental treatment. By Kelly Paxton, BSDH, MS, RDH, Amber W. Hunt, BSDH, MS, RDH, Tara L. Newcomb, RDH, MS

Navigating Dental Care for Patients With Ehlers–Danlos Syndromes

Oral health professionals are well positioned to support proper diagnosis and symptom management in order to improve quality of life for this patient population. By Jessica Fox, RDH, Loretta Mariano, DHSc, RDH, Rosalie Forrester, EdD, RDH

Detecting Mental Health and Substance Use Risks

The dental practice is a prudent setting to screen for these common issues faced by many Americans. By Tasha Wendel, MPH, MS, BSDH, Kory J. Zimney, PT, DPT, PhD, William E. Schweinle, PhD, Melissa L. Dittberner, PhD, CPS, PS, LMT PhD, CPS, PS, LMT

One Moment in Time

Those who spend their careers in oral healthcare may experience only a few truly groundbreaking moments. We just had one of these in September when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) met in New York. During that assembly, the Fourth High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) also convened. For the first time since its inception, [...] By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA

Your Risk of Osteoarthritis

Are dental hygienists at increased risk for osteoarthritis? What’s the best way to treat it and keep practicing? Dental hygienists definitely experience work-related risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders.1,2 Osteoarthritis is a musculoskeletal condition that affects cartilage in the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Personal risk factors for osteoarthritis include age, sex, weight, [...] By Claudia Turcotte, CDA, RDH, MSDH, MSOSH