Many general dentists do not feel comfortable seeing very young children. They are concerned that the child will exhibit noisy and disruptive behavior (although the behavior may be age appropriate for the child in an unfamiliar environment)…

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for dental hygienists to routinely apply their knowledge and skills in health education and promotion and disease prevention to help patients with systemic health…

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 66.2% of women in the United States visited the dental office in 2016. Additionally, 64.9% of the 72.2 million women ages 15 to 49 in the US were using hormonal or…

Adolescence is shaped by biological, cognitive, and social processes. Healthy adolescent development is characterized by an increased self-awareness, satisfaction, growth, and resilience. Adolescence represents a critical phase in…

Breastfeeding within the first year of life is encouraged because it decreases health risks and provides nutritional benefits for the infant and mother. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months,…

Comprising a large and fast-growing group of medications with diverse therapeutic targets, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have a wide-ranging variety of current and potential therapeutic applications. The first mAb was generated in 1975, and…

Workplace musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common cause of limited or lost work time. According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, approximately 30% of work-related injuries are attributed to MSDs. As dental…

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep breathing disorder characterized by severe hypoxia, or periods when an individual does not get enough oxygen during sleep. Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is classified beneath the umbrella…

Dental hygienists can play a role in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with poor nutrition and other lifestyle habits. Increasing evidence of the relationship between physical and oral health emphasizes the urgency of…

Dental hygienists advocate and promote oral health for their patients and recognize the systemic effects of periodontal diseases. Dental hygienists can also assist their patients by promoting the oral health of their pets. Pet owners need…