Biofilms are composed of bacteria adhering to each other or to living or nonliving surfaces. If not removed regularly, a complex and mature biofilm develops, with up to 100 bacterial species at a single site. Supra- and subgingival oral…

Staying abreast of the changing landscape of caries risk assessment, management, and prevention will help oral health professionals provide the highest quality patient care. Read on to see how much you know about this important facet of…

Site-specific ultrasonic inserts/tips (UITs) can increase access to difficult-to-reach areas and may help to improve periodontal therapy outcomes. How does your knowledge stack up on adapting site-specific UITs?

Knowledgeable oral health professionals are uniquely positioned to identify children early in the sleep disorder disease process, helping to prevent serious oral and systemic health problems. Read on to test your knowledge on sleep…

Understanding how to implement different body positions and alternative fulcrums will allow clinicians to maximize the use of sickle instruments in calculus removal. How does your understanding stack up on alternative fulcrums with sickle…

Oral health professionals play a role in caring for patients with cleft lip and/or palate as part of the patient’s craniofacial team. Read more to discover how much you understand about a clinician’s role in treating this patient…

Dental sealants are highly effective in the prevention of caries. To better serve students in underserved communities, school sealant programs have been implemented in several states to provide children with the preventive dental care they…

The use of mouthrinses can benefit patients’ oral health in a variety of ways—from reducing caries risk to supporting periodontal health. Read on to see how much you know about this important part of an effective self-care regimen.

Dental hygienists should learn to recognize the common signs and symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Better awareness of these problems and their treatments may result in improved long-term outcomes. Read on to test your…

Fluoride counteracts dental caries by enhancing the uptake of minerals, incorporating into the crystal structure of enamel to increase resistance to acid attack, and disrupting cariogenic bacterial activity. High-concentration delivery…