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The article offers insights for dental professionals regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dry mouth. Topics discussed include the difference between xerostomia, which is a dry mouth feeling due to reduced saliva flow, and salivary gland hypofunction (SGH); role of saliva in system disease diagnostics; symptoms and assessment of dry mouth; and product recommendations for patients with dry mouth.

The article describe the experience of elite athlete Shannon Boxx, a U.S. soccer player and an academy clinic director for Bridge City Soccer, of having a dry mouth. Topics covered include how she was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, the prevalence of dry mouth, particularly in elderly patients and the physiological and behavioral explanations for dry mouth in athletes. It also discusses the duty of oral health professionals and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

The article discusses how dental hygienists can create a safe environment for their patients and end vacuum system cross-contamination, or suck-back. Topics covered include maintenance of evacuation lines, final rule of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specific to Best Management Practices for Dental Amalgam Waste on June 14, 2017, and features to consider when looking for an appropriate cleaning product.

The article discusses best practices that could help dental hygienists learn their roles and responsibilities in medical coding. Topics include the coding role of dental hygienists, the diagnosis of a patient's oral health by dentists prior to treatment-plan preparation and delivery of necessary services, and the need to require coding training and retraining in all practices.

The article offers information on Caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) evidence-based approach to prevent and treat dental caries, and presents tips for its implementation by dental hygienists. Topics include the World Federation Dentistry Vision 2020, CAMBRA's primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention, and creating an individualized scientific basis for a CAMBRA continuing education (CE) curriculum, and using risk assessment forms.

The article discusses problems faced by dental hygienists when they refer patients to periodontists. Topics covered include the issue faced by patients of whether they are neglected by their dental hygienists or whether it is just part of perio maintenance when they are referred to periodontists. Also mentioned are the different skills needed for dental hygiene and periodontal practices.

The article focuses on the emergence of dental coders in the medical field of dentistry. Topics mentioned include the importance of dental hygiene as the backbone of various medical fields, with prognosis and treatment planning occurring during hygiene appointments, data collection and coding involved during full periodontal probing, and dental-medical necessity as the basis for periodontal care coding.

In the article, the author discusses how the dentistry profession and dental hygienists could prepare to provide the needs of baby boomers in the U.S. She cites that based on statistics, 10,000 Americans are turning 65 beginning January 1, 2011. She presents the introduction of toothbrushing by Claude Hopkins in the U.S., the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA), and the American Dental Association (ADA) Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD).

The article discusses the importance of providing patients information to enable them make informed decisions with regards to the choice of oral rinse for reducing gingival inflammation and improving the patients' oral health without unwanted side effects. Particular focus is given to the importance of clear communication to reduce patients' confusion in selecting oral rinses and prerinse products. It also discusses the available options for patients, and details relating to chlorine dioxide.

Interoperable electronic health records (EHRs) are promising tools to improve quality and efficiency in health care. This course will look at the tides of change and how dentistry became part of the interoperable EHR process. It will assess the impact of standards, coding, and systems being developed by the American Dental Association for EHR. The reader is given five simple steps that can be taken to help with navigating the choppy waters of adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article follows Anita's (a dental hygienist) quest for knowledge on the integration of lasers in periodontal care. It discusses the use of lasers in the destruction of biofilms in periodontal disease, and explains how lasers work. The article also mentions how Anita obtained information on lasers from dental industry/manufacturers and a CAMBRA/MI dentist. Also discussed are the views of several dental hygiene trainers who incorporated lasers into their practice.

The article emphasizes on the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs), and the need for interoperability between dental and general health offices. The author discusses health consumerism and notes that information should be made available to patients as well as providers. Details related to the possible advantages of EHRs, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy laws.

The article discusses the highlights of the RDH Under One Roof 2009 conference held in July 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The seminar "Rio Revue: New and Innovative Products 2009" was held. Products related to dental hygiene were exhibited by 45 companies. Scholarship opportunities were also announced for 2010. INSET: Baby Elephant Syndrome.

The article focuses on the issue of change in dental hygiene practice in the U.S. It defines health care reform for dental hygienists as spreading a change virus that infects dental hygienists to become early interventionists. The skills and attitudes relevant to early interventionists are mentioned including patience, empathy, self-management and communication. The authors also discuss the factors that hinder change among dental hygienists.

The article explores whether categorizing and sorting people with a calendar as the basis for having an organized system can still be effective in a dentistry business. Topics discussed include what the real basis of all prevention is, the other ingredients that are combined with fluoride, and how to benefit from using products that are more than brushing, flossing, and fluoride. It also presents the three caries risk assessment codes contained in "CDT (Current Dental Terminology) 2015."

The article discusses the transition of the dental care profession from a disease based repair model of health to an oral medicine molecular model. It offers information on a disease management program initiated by Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts. Dental hygienist Diane Brucato-Thomas was an early adopter of endoscopy and employs a whole person approach in periodontics. According to the author, the shift is demonstrated in redefined goals of dental care.

The author emphasizes the need for dental hygienists to get involved in the dental insurance coding process in the U.S. Changes and improvements in dental insurance coverage in the country from 2005 to 2007 are presented. She highlights the importance of the meaning of the word standard in understanding the Common Dental Terminology (CDT) process. She cites that earlier dental care lowered the risk and severity of oral conditions which can lower overall medical costs.

The author discusses food allergy and its effects on the body. Food allergies can be pervasive and potentially life-threatening. Food allergy is an adverse reaction to food or food component involving the immune system. Some common food allergy myths, prevention and symptoms are mentioned. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act is discussed, which ensures that people can easily identify ingredients that may cause allergy.

The article talks about oral cancer. Half of the victims of oral cancer die. Most oral cancers are detected only at Stage 3 or 4. One of the ways to detect oral cancer early is through extraoral/intraoral oral cancer exam. The exam assesses the risk of an individual. The human papilloma virus is a risk factor in oral cancer.

The article discusses the dental hygiene profession. It defines the term codependency. It explains the time frame for hygiene care. Roy Page, a prominent periodontist and researcher in Seattle, Washington, comments on the traditional way of waiting for disease and then referring to a periodontist. Anti-infective therapy is described.

Focuses on the potential effects of dental insurance on the careers of dental hygienists. Evaluation codes of dental insurance; Considerations of understanding specific diagnosis for the codes; Role of dental hygienists in oral diagnosis.

Discusses the need for dental hygienists to care about the issues on dental insurance in the U.S. as of May 2006. Basis of dental benefits on procedures developed in the 1950s; Effect of dental benefits policies on dental hygienists; Lack of standards of practice for dental hygienists.

The article addresses the need and value of including an evaluation of salivary function with every dental examination and ongoing observations during treatment. Many people over age 55 are suffering from dry mouth in the U.S. The exhibition "Saliva: A remarkable Fluid" at The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, Maryland was opened on March 2, 2005. It is said that saliva represents the first line of defense against foreign pathogens.

Discusses the importance of the role of dentists and dental hygienists in the diagnosis of oral cancer. Emphasis on the need to raise awareness of oral cancer; Need for dental health professionals to relay information concerning oral cancer to their clients; Inclusion of oral cancer screening in dental care standards. INSET: Standard of care and dental benefit codes.

Focuses on the prevention of periodontal diseases in the U.S. Standard for detecting dental caries; List of caries reduction and remineralization options; Method used by hygienists in assessing risk.

The article discusses how professionals know the benefits and risks of whitening and have the know-how to help patients prevent and treat sensitivity. Topics discussed include producing or exacerbating sensitivity as a common effect of whitening, the chemical reaction created by the active ingredient in whitening products where the chromospheres are destroyed and Profluorid as an ideal option for whitening patients as it protects before and after the whitening procedure.

The article discusses the shift toward interoperable electronic health records (EHR) among dental practices. Topics covered include the ways by which digital natives make connections, the objectives of record keeping and the components of the dental hygiene process of care. Also mentioned are the use of uniform health information standards in an interoperable EHR and the creation of a place for routine documentation of smoking status and dental hygiene diagnosis.

The article offers information on temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMD). Topics include the importance of the determination and documentation of dental-medical necessity for coding, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website, and the TMD Pain Screener. It also discusses the study on TMD management by the National Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN).

The article discusses changes made to the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature (CDT). It mentions that CDT 2013 update focuses on new technologies and materials. The changes are - CDT will be update every year to facilitate technological changes; new pre-diagnostic codes will be very useful for dental hygienist providers with direct access, and changes to fluoride code indicate that treatment plan should be developed based on professional standards.

The article looks at the efforts of two people, Alison Stahl and Eric Statler, who are working to increase awareness about oral cancer. Eric Statler is a stage IV oral cancer survivor and Alison Stahl is RDH, BS. Stahl started a charity walk in Illinois for this cancer; the walk broke all records for an inaugural event, grossing just over dollars 70,000 as well as breaking all records to date at the Oral Cancer Foundation for attendance and fundraising. INSET: SUGGESTIONS FOR VOLUNTEERING TO FIGHT ORAL CANCER.

The article focuses on the link between periodontal disease and urinary tract infection (UTI) and how dental hygienists should deal with them. Both diseases require culture tests, allergy profile and a specific antibiotic treatment. The author suggests conducting sensitivity tests before selecting an antibiotic regimen, especially in patients who demonstrated antibiotic resistance. She also recommends several diagnostic products that can help dental professionals conduct tests using saliva to diagnose systemic diseases. INSETS: What it means to be a patient-centered practice;The Diabetic Patient.

The article discusses how challenging oneself can keep the brain sharp and healthy. It explains the concept of neuroplasticity and how the very plasticity enables a person to learn new things or lead one's mental degradation. To avoid this, consistent and progressive challenges are needed. The brain's structure changes when patterns of thinking is also changed. INSETS: Ten Habits of Highly Effective Brains;A scenario....

The article offers information on the RDH Under One Roof 2009 meeting to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This article discusses the slow adoption of information technology by the medical care sector, particularly dentistry. The sector is scheduled to be chartless by 2015, as part of U.S. President Barack Obama's plan to revive the U.S. economy. The U.S. has invested $2.3 trillion on healthcare in 2007 to help the sector compete worldwide. It is time for dental hygienists to take an active role in implementing information technology.

The article explores how employees working in the dentistry field can become an influencer of the growth and change in their profession in line with the concept of "living in the world of yes." It defines the meaning of "living in the world of yes." It relates how leadership can be promoted among dental professionals. It offers an overview of the changes in the U.S. dental hygiene practice.

This article talks about how the dental industry is breaking robotic routines in dental practice. Lawrence A. Tabak, director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, said their goal is to move from the current surgical model of practice to a chemotherapeutic or biotherapeutic model. The author noted that the use of different detection methods, rather than what is considered tradition, to identify early marks of periodontal diseases allows for earlier intervention.

The article focuses on the directions that the future of dental hygiene could take. Different techniques and treatment measures could be employed in future for the treatment of dental diseases. Nanotechnologies could be used to repair red blood cells. They could also be used to reconstruct teeth and gum tissue. Stem cell biology, the author says, could also be applied for various purposes such as to re-grow whole teeth.

The article reflects on the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the health care system in the U.S. It outlines the damages wrought by the storm. The U.S. has the most expensive and least equitable health care system compared with other industrialized countries. It discusses minimally invasive/minimal intervention therapy, a concept promoted by Oral Medicine.

Explores the concept of the words compliance, commitment and passion in dental practice. Highlights of the book "The Fifth Discipline," by Peter Senge; Difference between compliance and commitment; Characteristics of people who are passionate about their work.

Explores the individual jobs and the essence of dental hygienists. Questions asked in self-discovery; Incorporation of passion in the dental hygiene profession; Importance of listening to what a colleague or another person has to say.

Deals with the importance of passion for the success of dental hygienists. Definition of passion; Factors that can make dental hygienists lose sight of their passion for their work; Demands of clients to dental hygienists; Personal reasons why some people love their jobs.

Our journey continues down the path of change. In our last installment, members of the Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association (IDHA) felt beaten down by the dental society after losing an exhaustive effort to prevent unlicensed individuals from performing dental hygiene duties. This article shares how and why affiliation between a dental hygiene group and a union occurred. The implementation of this phenomenon changed the history of dental hygiene forever. It piqued the interest of legislators and dental hygiene associations nationwide. This exciting chapter in our story is about how to find your way, even when there is no map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an article on accepting leadership roles for the dental hygiene society. Search for a leadership style; Attributes of a leader; Overview of the first board of trustees meeting organized.

The article reports on a 2012 survey from Deloitte Center for Health Solutions on healthcare consumer attitudes. Survey highlights include the cost of unfilled or open hours in a hygiene schedule, code gap between a prophylaxis and scaling and root planning, and the Löe and Silness gingival inflammation index.

The authors discuss an inspiring story of Ann Benson, RDH, who invested in her vision of opening Mobile Dentistry of Arizona, during the economic downturn with the aim of providing free dental services to the underserved that cannot access dental services. She also visits other communities to educate health-care professionals on the importance of good oral health and has innovative ideas to generate jobs for unemployed dental hygienists.

The author relates how the creativity of Idaho-based dental hygienist Becky Logue gave her the idea to create a foot-operated computer mouse to help her with periodontal charts. The hygienist became frustrated at her use of different computer systems in charting, which did not give her the desired accuracy. While her children were playing with a video game dance pad, Becky became inspired by the thought of charting with the use of the feet and the creation of the Dental R.A.T. foot-operated mouse.

This article delves into the technology behind dental care products powered by NovaMin. According to the article, NovaMin was developed by dental professors Gary Hack and Leonard Litkowski of the University of Maryland in Baltimore. It notes that NovaMin is a compound made from elements that are critical for bone and tooth mineralization.

The article discusses how Hu-Friedy, a family-owned company that manufactures dental supplies, values its employees. Basha, an immigrant from Poland, shares that she has seen how the company helps people become the best they can be. It details how employee encouragement is offered at Hu-Friedy through the High Five sticky note program.