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Background Since the outbreak of COVID-19, how to reduce the risk of spreading viruses and other microorganisms while performing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) has become a challenging question within the dental and dental hygiene communities. The purpose of this position paper is to summarize the existing evidence about the effectiveness of various mitigation methods used to reduce the risk of infection transmission during AGPs in dentistry. Methods The authors searched six databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, for relevant scientific evidence published in the last ten years (January 2012 to December 2022) to answer six research questions about the the aspects of risk of transmission, methods, devices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) used to reduce contact with microbial pathogens and limit the spread of aerosols. Results A total of 78 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. There was limited literature to indicate the risk of infection transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between dental hygienists and their patients. A number of mouthrinses are effective in reducing bacterial contaminations in aerosols; however, their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 was limited. The combined use of eyewear, masks, and face shields are effective for the prevention of contamination of the facial and nasal region, while performing AGPs. High volume evacuation with or without an intraoral suction, low volume evacuation, saliva ejector, and rubber dam (when appropriate) have shown effectiveness in reducing aerosol transmission beyond the generation site. Finally, the appropriate combination of ventilation and filtration in dental operatories are effective in limiting the spread of aerosols. Conclusion Aerosols produced during clinical procedures can potentially pose a risk of infection transmission between dental hygienists and their patients. The implementation of practices supported by available evidence are best practices to ensure patient and provider safety in oral health settings. More studies in dental clinical environment would shape future practices and protocols, ultimately to ensure safe clinical care delivery. Keywords aerosol generating procedures, infectious disease transmission, respiratory aerosols and droplets, personal protective equipment, mouthrinses, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, INTRODUCTION Aerosols can be defined as the suspension of solid or liquid particles in the air, which can be generated by either natural or anthropogenic phenomena, and may be present [...]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine dental hygiene students' perspectives regarding their knowledge and understanding about caries prevention strategies and their intention to use these regimens in clinical practice. Dental hygienists' knowledge and understanding of caries prevention is critical because they are the primary providers of these regimens and the relevant education. Methods This 2019 national cross-sectional online survey was designed by the University of Maryland (UMD), structured by the ADA staff for online administration, distributed and collected by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) to 9533 email addresses, and de-identified response data were analyzed by UMD. The survey included questions on three caries preventive regimens: fluoride varnish, dental sealants, and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and items on community water fluoridation (CWF), respondent's demographics and intent to use the regimens. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Significance was set at p Results Of the 235 surveys returned (response rate 2.5%) the majority were female, White and born in the United States. Over half were in associate degree programs; nearly a third were in baccalaureate programs. Respondents reported greater knowledge/understanding and intention to use fluoride varnish and dental sealants than SDF. Less than half (44.7%) reported knowledge/ understanding of SDF and only 22.6% had a high level of confidence regarding applying it. Additionally, only 31.1% indicated they were extremely likely to use SDF upon graduation. Conclusions To reduce the prevalence of caries, dental hygiene graduates must be well-versed with the latest science-based preventive procedures, including non-invasive caries prevention and control therapies. The results of this survey, albeit non representative of the general population of dental hygiene students, suggest a need for a more extensive review of the caries preventive regimen content, especially for silver diamine fluoride, of dental hygiene curricular programs. Keywords dental hygiene education, caries prevention, non-invasive caries preventive regimens, fluoride varnish, dental sealants, silver diamine fluoride, community water fluoridation, INTRODUCTION Untreated dental caries is a leading cause of preventable pain, tooth loss, and loss of time from school and work in the United States (US). (1) Despite the existence [...]

Your mouth is marvelous. Without it, you couldn't eat, drink, breathe or speak. But the mouth can just as easily harbor harmful microbes that can cause tooth decay and gum [...]

AUGUST 6 Everyone wants great breath all the time, not just on Fresh Breath Day. Try these tips from Megan Chin, D.D.S., owner of Playhouse Dental for Kids & Teens [...]

Caring for the oral health of children with autism and other disabilities requires special attention and tailored strategies. Good oral hygiene not only prevents immediate dental issues, but also contributes [...]

Purpose: Little is known about the self-care practices of dental hygiene students. The purpose of this study was to explore the self-care practices among dental hygiene students to examine the relationships between self-care practices, work hours, and caregiver responsibilities. Methods: The validated Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile [HPLP II] survey was used to assess a convenience sample of dental hygiene students (n=416) in the United States (US) and Canada. The survey instrument consisted of 61 items in six subscales; spiritual growth, nutrition, interpersonal relations, health responsibility, physical activity, and stress management and was distributed to dental hygiene students through program directors and student social media sites. Data was analyzed using correlation, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallace and regression to explore relationships between the variables. Results: Eighty-one percent of the target population opened the link and completed the survey (n=337). Mean scores for interpersonal relations (M=3.00) and spirituality (M=3.03) subscales indicated respondents were often engaging in these behaviors. Mean scores for physical activity (M=2.26), stress management (M=2.31), nutrition (M=2.44), and health responsibility (M=2.30) sub-scales suggested respondents sometimes practiced these health promoting behaviors. Respondents working more off-campus hours reported stress management behaviors less frequently (p Conclusion: Outcomes from this study identified the need for improvement in health promoting behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, and stress management in dental hygiene students. In addition, students with off-campus work and caregiver obligations may need additional assistance with self-care and stress management strategies to support academic success, given the academic and clinical rigors of the dental hygiene program. Keywords: dental hygiene students, self-care, wellness behaviors, stress management, health promotion This manuscript supports the NDHRA priority area: Professional development: Education (evaluation). Submitted for publication: 3/5/20; accepted: 8/9/20, Introduction Self-care, actions taken by an individual to support their personal well-being, is essential to prevent disease and maintain health. (1,2) Individuals who engage in self-care and health-promoting activities have [...]

2022 NOV 19 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Fresh data on obesity are presented in a new report. According to [...]

2022 OCT 15 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Research findings on autism spectrum disorders are discussed in a new report. [...]

The process used to implement a standardized oral care protocol to improve adherence to oral care and reduce non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is described. Engaged staff and a nurse-led protocol improved care, improved adherence to oral care, and decreased occurrence of NV-HAP., Literature Summary * Non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) can lead to increased morbidity and length of stay, discharge to extended care facility, and 30-day readmissions (Quinn & Baker, 2015; Tesoro et [...]

All you need to know to get those teeth sparkly 'n' white. You go to the dentist every six months (ish) and brush twice a day (usually). But when it [...]

Brush up on a sneaky potential heart disease risk: poor oral hygiene. Here's what the research tells us so far: Gum disease is associated with an overall increased chance of [...]

Vaccinations? Check, spring and fall. Deworming? You follow your vet's program to the letter. Shoes? You have the farrier on speed dial. Dental checkup? Uh ... whenever. If dental care [...]

Your teeth are stronger than your bones (fun fact: They're the hardest part of your body!). But don't get too excited--over time they can suffer damage and decay, affecting more [...]

'You lose one tooth for every baby you have' is a commonly held myth regarding pregnancy and oral health. Although women receive basic prenatal counseling on proper nutrition, exercise, and [...]

Q: We've successfully sent humans to the Moon, and there's talk of sending people to Mars. How about Venus? --Alan E. Wright | Salt Lake City LANDING ON VENUS is [...]

Do you go to bed without brushing your teeth? Are you too busy to floss? You may think that skipping brushing or flossing is not a big deal, but neglecting [...]

The consequences of poor dental health go way beyond bad breath. Periodontal infection is linked to serious health concerns ranging from tooth loss to bacterial infection of the heart, liver, [...]

APHTHASOL Access Rx Antiinflammatory. Amlexanox 5%; adhesive oral paste. Indications: Aphthous ulcers in nonimmunocompromised adults. Adults: Start at earliest onset of symptoms. Apply 1/4 inch to each ulcer 4 times [...]

For various reasons, many Americans fail to establish a primary dental provider or are without dental insurance or access to preventive services. As a result, these patients often turn to [...]

L.A. residents are virtual powerhouses striving for excellence in our professional and personal lives. When if comes our bodies healthy die and exercise regime are regular mandates. At time though, […]

NEW YORK -- Everyone knows that regular flossing and brushing promotes healthy teeth and gums, but what many may not know is that oral health directly correlates to a healthy [...]