Researchers identified defects in calcium signaling, saliva production, and the oral microbiome that may help explain why people with Down syndrome face a disproportionately high risk of periodontal diseases and caries.

A new rule allows qualified 16- and 17-year-olds to work as registered dental assistants, creating an earlier workforce pipeline while maintaining education, registration, and supervision requirements.

Proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule could require stronger cybersecurity protections, more detailed documentation, and stricter protocols for dental practices.

Join Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA, as she explores how legislation, autonomy, innovation, and medical-dental integration are redefining the dental hygienist’s role in whole-body healthcare.

A newly validated survey reveals mixed patient attitudes toward dentists and dental hygienists administering vaccines while highlighting the profession's growing role in disease prevention and public health.

From prenatal counseling and motivational interviewing to fluoride, dietary guidance, and silver diamine fluoride, evidence-based prevention strategies can help dental hygienists reduce the burden of early childhood caries.

Discover why listening before teaching may be the key to motivating lasting oral health behavior change.

A new federal initiative encourages state Medicaid programs to phase out coverage of dental amalgam, signaling a potential shift in restorative dentistry and reimbursement policy.

Discover how the latest periodontal classification system and emerging treatment technologies can elevate diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient outcomes.

Learn how routine spore testing, proper sterilizer monitoring, and documentation can help your practice prevent infection, protect patients, and stay compliant with CDC and OSHA standards.