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The article explores the impact of hearing loss on the professional career and health of dental professionals. Topics discussed include prevalence of hearing loss, the lack of screening for hearing loss, anatomy of the hear that provide understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, stages of hearing loss, dentistry as a risk factor for hearing loss, systemic health issues resulting from hearing loss, and measures to prevent hearing loss.

The author focuses on the evolution of dentistry as seen in the previous issues of the periodical "Dental Economics." He recalls that the 1923 issue offered an article about dentists who exude clearness, force and elegance in handling patients. He notes that the 1965 issue delved into dental insurance in which 15 million Americans are projected to enroll in such insurance by 1970. He adds that the June 2008 issue features a dentist who adopts high technology, non-existent in 1923, in his practice.

The article focuses on the recipients of the 2006 Sunstar Butler/"RDH" magazine Healthy Gums Healthy Life Award of Distinction presented in the U.S. The total number of awardees is 39. The efforts of dental hygienists to overcome negative obstacles with grace and dignity is being recognized through the award.

Recalls issues related to dental care services in the U.S. Dental supervision issues in selected U.S. states in 1987; Percentage of dentists who were seeking to increase income rather than provide more comprehensive care, enhance professional stature, or be more involved in treatment planning according to hygienists in 1987; Importance of seeking out practice setting outside of traditional practice of dentistry as compared to income.

Emphasizes the need for dental professionals to be updated in science. Impact of science on the dental hygiene profession; Definition of dentistry; Information on malpractice payout issues facing physicians in Oklahoma.