Contents

Support Your Ergonomics and Visual Acuity During Patient Care

While musculoskeletal disorders can negatively impact quality of life and work productivity, making personalized adjustments to your clinical routine can improve your ergonomic health. By Denise Kissell, BSDH, EFDA, MPH, Brian Partido, BSDH, MSDH

Minimize Your Risk of COVID-19

Adhering to the following recommendations can help limit the likelihood of contracting the novel coronavirus in the dental setting. By Kandis V. Garland, RDH, MS

Improving Dental Appointments with Hypnotherapy

This alternative modality can be used to enhance overall patient comfort while reducing fear and anxiety in the dental setting. By Toby J. Cheramie, DDS, Heather B. Allen, RDH, BSDH, MSHCM

Oral Health Considerations for Older Adults During the Pandemic

Acknowledging the impact of COVID-19 on general and mental health among vulnerable populations is key to providing effective oral healthcare. By Sandra Stramoski, RDH, MSDH, Anna Matthews, RDH, MS

Preventing the Spread of Herpes Simplex Type 1

The dental team should be knowledgeable about the clinical presentations, distinguishing features, and treatment protocols of this virus to reduce the risk of transmission. By Selvi M. Das Purkayastha, BDS, RDH, JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA

Diagnostic Tips for Benign White Oral Mucosal Lesions

Differentiating between benign and malignant white mucosal lesions is challenging. By Kitrina G. Cordell, DDS, MS, Molly S. Rosebush, DDS, MS

Is AI Smart for Oral Healthcare?

As I mentioned in last month’s Editor’s Note, we’ve learned quite a lot from the past 6 months of living and working during a pandemic. From a professional standpoint, we tend to focus on the practice-related adjustments that have made the work environment safer. Enhanced use of personal protective equipment and other infection control measures [...] By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA

Increase Patient Compliance With SRP

Ask the Expert By Kathleen O. Hodges, RDH, MS

October 2020 Marketplace For Dental Hygienists

A listing of featured products. By The Editors

October 2020 Social Commentary

Like Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Facebook page to share your thoughts on posted questions. By The Editors

Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month

October is National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM), a time to promote oral health and recognize the significant contributions made by dental hygienists. By The Editors

Long-Time Dental Public Health Advocate Retires

Helene Bednarsh, BS, RDH, MPH, a Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Editorial Advisory Board member and dental public health advocate who dedicated her career to improving the health of those living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has retired as director of the Ryan White Dental Program at the Boston Public Health Commission after [...] By The Editors

October 2020 Digital Agenda

Digital Agenda covers all that’s happening under Dimensions’ social media platforms. By The Editors

Young TikTok Users Start Dangerous Dental Trend With Permanent Effects

TikTok, a popular video-sharing app with more than 500 million users, has been the genesis of many a beauty trend. By The Editors

Periodontal Diseases May Raise Risk of Some Cancers

Researchers from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston suggest patients with periodontal diseases may be at greater risk of developing cancer than the general. By The Editors

Study Shows Rapid Rise in E-Cigarette, Marijuana Use Among Young Adults

Although cigarette smoking has been on the decline for a decade, two trends have become popular with young adults between the ages of 18 and 25: electronic cigarettes and marijuana. By The Editors