Opioids are a class of drugs that includes legal prescriptions, such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and pharmaceutical fentanyl, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Opioids can be…

In healthcare and, more specifically, the dental field, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most critical occupational health concerns affecting clinicians. The prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain among dental hygienists…

The most recent United States census estimates the number of adults age 65 and older is expected to reach 98 million, or 24% of the overall population, by 2060. This demographic change will impact the delivery of both medical and dental…

Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to identify older adults who are socially isolated or lonely during patient care appointments. Dental hygiene’s core value of beneficence allows clinicians to assess for signs of isolation and…

A bleeding disorder is a condition in which the normal blood clotting process is interrupted due to a deficiency or defect of one or more of the clotting factors necessary to form a blood clot. A deficiency/defect of one or more clotting…

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes cognition impairment and memory loss, affecting activities of daily living. In the United States, an estimated 4.5 million people have AD and this figure is…

Oral healthcare is focused on preventing and treating oral diseases. Periodontal diseases and caries, while largely preventable, are pervasive. In most cases, they can be prevented by controlling plaque biofilm via toothbrushing,…

Although dental hygiene is a young profession comparatively speaking, the number of dental hygienists has grown significantly in recent years in correlation with the increase in the number of dental hygiene schools. The United States Bureau…

Dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults in the United States, even though it is largely preventable. Monitoring the prevalence of caries is key to preventing and controlling oral diseases.…

Until recently, the relationship between genetic disorders and periodontal diseases was unclear. As our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and systemic pathophysiology of numerous genetic disorders broadens, new research has…